FEMA Officials Tour Missouri, Oklahoma

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Administrator Paulison toured storm and tornado-damaged areas of Oklahoma and Missouri Tuesday, where storms killed 21 people over the weekend.

They surveyed hard-hit areas by helicopter, walked through neighborhoods, spoke to residents – and held separate press briefings with Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry and Missouri Governor Matt Blunt.

In Oklahoma, Paulison told reporters FEMA and DHS are committed to helping victims and “are here for the long haul.” Gov. Henry complimented FEMA for the speed of the preliminary damage assessments in his state.

Chertoff, Henry and Paulison all said rebuilding in Picher, Okla., is not an option because it is a federal Superfund site. A government buyout of homes is underway because the area is highly polluted by mine waste. Gov. Henry said federal disaster aid to the area will help people relocate, not rebuild in Picher.

In Missouri, Chertoff and Paulison met with disaster victims at the site near Seneca, Mo. where many people died as a result of the storm. Gov. Blunt, FEMA Regional Administrator Dick Hainje and other federal and local officials also participated in the press conference there.

FEMA is continuing to coordinate the federal response to help states impacted by severe storms and tornadoes. State and local resources are addressing the most immediate needs as federal resources support their efforts.