Quotes by Michael Chertoff

“[As part of National Preparedness Month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the American Red Cross (ARC) have developed a significant amount of information for the public, including daily tips to help people get started preparing today.] The devastation and tragic loss of life caused by Hurricane Katrina earlier this week reinforce the urgency of our coalitions work, ... We urge all Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for emergencies, including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan and learning more about how to respond to emergencies that could affect your area.”

“We are pleased to have the American Red Cross, which has long been a leader in emergency preparedness and response, co-sponsor National Preparedness Month 2005, ... The commitment of the American Red Cross and the members of National Preparedness Month Coalition are integral as we work to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies. As leaders in their communities, these organizations will help spread life saving information and move the entire nation toward a greater state of preparedness.”

“I think theres a strong argument that it ought not to be located in downtown Washington because of the desire to have some distance, you know, between ourselves and some other buildings,”

“including a permanent deputy director to augment the resources available to assist with FEMAs vital mission.”

“Mike managed over 160 disasters during his tenure at FEMA, and his service in those disasters has been commended by many, ... He has done everything he possibly could to coordinate the federal response to the unprecedented challenge posed by Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans levee breach. He is a good man, and I personally appreciate his work and his commitment.”

“It was midday Tuesday that I became aware of the fact that there was no possibility of plugging the gap and that essentially the lake was going to start to drain into the city. I think that second catastrophe really caught everybody by surprise,”

“willingness to take on the vital task of leading FEMA during this challenging time.”

“We need to prepare the country for whats coming. We are going to uncover people who died in their homes. Its going to be an ugly scene.”

“The message has gone out very clearly to everybody that were going to be efficient, were going to cut through red tape, but were not going to cut though the laws,”

“I appreciate his willingness to take on the vital task of leading FEMA during this challenging time,”

Weve done it in intelligence sharing and certain elements of security. There were parts of the department, in fact, that worked very well in Katrina, like the Coast Guard and TSA.