Washington, D.C. September 11, 2001 -- In response to the apparent terrorist events, FEMA's Washington-based Emergency Response Team (EST) has fully activated and on 24-hour operations. All 10 of the FEMA regions - headquartered in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Denton, TX, Denver, San Francisco and Bothell, Wash. - are also fully activated.

FEMA has activated the Federal Response Plan, which brings together 28 federal agencies and the American Red Cross to assist local and state governments in response to national emergencies and disasters. Already, FEMA has deployed eight Urban Search & Rescue teams (US&R) to New York City to search for victims in the affected buildings. US&R teams are specially trained teams that include engineers and other technical experts as well as specially trained search dogs. Another four teams have been deployed to the Pentagon, for search and rescue efforts there.

In addition, disaster medical teams and disaster mortuary teams are on stand-by in New Jersey and Washington D.C. to respond when requested. FEMA has requested that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers handle debris removal in the affected areas.

FEMA support is working closely with the White House to ensure coordination and management of the consequences of the events. The Department of Justice has immediate responsibility for crisis management.

Updated: September 11, 2001