TERRITORY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
June 18th, 2004, UTULEI, ASG OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, PRESS RELEASE
When the weather is sunny and warm, no one thinks twice about a Hurricane response plan. However, the role of the Territorial Emergency Management Office (TEMCO) is to make sure that when the sunny days go away and rough weather settles in, that an answer is available to help you prepare for a disaster.
By law in American Samoa the Lieutenant Governor is the Governor's Appointed Representative (GAR), for emergency management and response during both natural and man made disasters. Under the GAR's supervision is TEMCO.
TEMCO houses both the Natural Disaster Program (hurricanes, floods, etc.) and the Man Made Disaster Program (counter-terrorism, hazardous materials).
"I have been reviewing closely the current Territorial Emergency Response Plan (TERP) for both Natural and Man Made Disasters, and there is a need for updates and revisions." states Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia. Every jurisdiction (state or territory) has to update and review their plans according to FEMA standards. Funding is provided specifically for the revision of plans and updates.
Since taking the Lieutenant Governor position Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia has experience with the Pago Pago Flash Flood Disaster and Hurricane Heta. Both times, Lt. Governor Sunia served as the Territorial representative to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Working closely with FEMA, they assisted in showing common needs during disasters, that jurisdictions usually overlook." Lt. Governor Sunia said. "It is important that we update the plan so the Territory's emergency responders and management personnel can qualify for compensation by FEMA." Sunia continued.
Apparently during Hurricane HETA and the Pago Pago Flood Disaster, some costs were accumulated that FEMA did not provide funding for because it was not covered in the Territory Emergency Response Plan.
Lieutenant Governor Sunia is working closely with TEMCO and FEMA to update the TERP. "There has been rapid progress with our work, especially in identifying all the ends to be covered. Soon there will be a stronger response plan for the Territory." Sunia said.