Washington, DC  -  Hurricane Ivan continued on a devastating path across the Caribbean towards East Alabama this evening, prompting Third District Congressman Mike Rogers to accelerate emergency preparations with federal, state, and local officials to help assist with any possible fallout from the Category 5 storm, even though the storm could still change course.

“I stand ready to assist you in any capacity to bring federal assistance to the affected parts of our state,” Rogers wrote to local officials today.

Rogers said this evening he and his staff had been in contact with federal emergency officials in Washington to ensure they are prepared to act quickly, should a federal disaster area be declared. In addition, Rogers faxed a letter to local officials across the Third District listing relevant federal disaster personnel.

“This is one of the largest and most dangerous hurricanes ever recorded, and it’s headed right for East Alabama,” Rogers said. “We must be prepared.”

Rogers said the Federal Emergency Management Agency was closely tracking the storm and would open local disaster relief offices in the Third District as situations warranted. Local citizens should also keep FEMA’s disaster assistance numbers handy. FEMA may be reached at 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-9029. “Rest assured that we all stand together to help in the face of potential devastation from a natural disaster such as Hurricane Ivan,” he wrote.