    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [August 31, 2008]
    [Pages 1165-1166]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency
    August 31, 2008

        I'm here at the FEMA Headquarters where I just received a briefing,
    and I've also come to thank the people behind me for working the long
    hours that they're doing to make sure that we've got the preparations in
    place for Hurricane Gustav. There's been a lot of work done to get ready
    for the storm. Across the Gulf Coast, there's Governors and State
    officials and local leaders that are taking this storm very seriously
    and are preparing proactively.
        Secretary Chertoff and FEMA
    Administrator Paulison report that the
    Federal Government has prepositioned teams of emergency managers,
    doctors, ambulances, search and rescue teams, aircraft, and commodities
    throughout the region. There are millions of meals and millions of
    liters of water prestaged, as well as a lot of blankets and cots. In
    other words, there's a lot of preparations that have gone in, in
    anticipation of this storm.
        We're working with Governors to identify and secure out-of-State
    shelter for people in the path of the storm. Several States, including
    Missouri, Texas, and New Mexico, are in the--are preparing to and have
    accepted a lot of evacuees. People are leaving those areas that are of
    concern, and we're working hard to make sure that they have a place to
    go.
        The Army Corps of Engineers informs me that while the levees are
    stronger than they've ever been, people across the Gulf Coast,
    especially in New Orleans, need to

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    understand that in a storm of this size, there is serious risk of
    significant flooding.
        The message to the people of the Gulf Coast is, this storm is
    dangerous. There's a real possibility of flooding, storm surge, and high
    winds. And therefore, it is very important for you to follow the
    instructions and direction of State and local officials. Do not put
    yourself in harm's way or make rescue workers take unnecessary risks.
    And know that the American people stand with you and that we'll face
    this emergency together.
        In the coming days, I encourage people across our Nation to help
    their neighbors in need. You can contribute to charities such as the Red
    Cross. You can volunteer your time to help those in need. And of course,
    you can pray for those who might be suffering.
        In light of these events, I will not be going to Minnesota for the
    Republican National Convention. I'm going to travel down to Texas
    tomorrow to visit with the Emergency Operations Center in Austin, where
    coordination among Federal, State, and local government officials is
    occurring. I intend to go down to San Antonio, where State and local
    officials are prepositioning relief materials for Texas and Louisiana.
    And I'll have a chance to visit with residents of both States who have
    been evacuated.
        I will not be traveling to Louisiana tomorrow because I do not want
    my visit to impede in any way the response of our emergency personnel.
    I've been talking to the Governors yesterday
    and today; I also spoke with Mayor
    Nagin of New Orleans to make sure that they're
    getting everything they need from the Federal Government to prepare for
    what all anticipate will be a difficult situation. I hope to be able to
    go to Louisiana as soon as conditions permit.
        This Nation has come to know the strong and resilient spirit of the
    people of the Gulf Coast. They've made it through great challenges in
    the past, and they're going to make it through this one as well. In the
    meantime, all those preparing for this storm are in our thoughts and our
    prayers, from me and Laura and our whole Nation.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:24 p.m. at the FEMA Operations Center.
    The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of these remarks.