WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing its facilities in the path of Hurricane Rita for a potentially catastrophic storm.
“VA provided extraordinary care for its patients when Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama late last month,” said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “I’m confident the hard work, professionalism and even heroism of our staff will see us through Hurricane Rita as well.”
VA facilities along Texas’ Gulf Coast are stocking up on food, water, medical supplies, emergency communications such as satellite telephones, and extra fuel for emergency generators and vehicles. Community clinics in Galveston and Texas City have been secured.
Non-emergency appointments are being rescheduled, and selected staff are preparing to weather out the storm in hospitals providing care for critically ill patients.
VA facilities outside the Gulf Coast region are on standby to take evacuated patients, and health care professionals are ready to travel to the storm area if the situation warrants.
“I urge everyone – veterans and employees alike – to heed the warnings of emergency officials and take all necessary precautions,” Nicholson said.
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