James Lee Witt Identifies The Nations Need For Emergency Prepardness.

September 14, 2006

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SALF’S Director of National Military Affairs, Vince Davis and Founder and President, Carol Spizzirri with James Lee Witt, President and CEO of James Lee Witt & Associates in Washington, DC

 

Former FEMA director James Lee Witt met with SALF Founder and President Carol Spizzirri and SALF Director of Military Affairs, Vince Davis recently to discuss the emergency preparedness of American cities.  Witt, who served as FEMA’s director during the Clinton administration, heads James Lee Witt Associates, (JLWA) an agency devoted to preparing local governments for disasters and emergencies. During their meeting in JLWA’s Washington, DC offices, Witt and SALF representatives, Spirzzirri and Davis, identified the need to emergency prepare our nation’s cities and to equip average citizens with life-supporting skills to be utilized until paramedics arrive.  Davis, who served as an External Affairs Officer with FEMA Region V prior to joining SALF, worked with JLWA in Orlando, Florida to implement community relations programs during the 2004 hurricane season.  “We’re looking forward to working together with James Lee Witt Associates to equip citizens with the ability to sustain life in an emergency,” said Davis.  “James Lee Witt’s reputation for service before, during and after emergencies is unparalleled,” he continued.  “We at SALF are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual on our side as we work to train citizens in these crucial life sustaining skills.”

JLWA was recently commissioned by Mayor John Street of Philadelphia to prepare a report on the state of emergency preparedness in Philadelphia.  The report concluded that the city, like many American cities, is not prepared for a major emergency.  Among other shortcomings, the report found that the city lacks up-to-date strategies to combat a major disaster.  According to the report, another major concern is the communications void rescue workers and ambulances face, in particular the inability of rescue workers and paramedics to use their radios in rail tunnels.  “Mr. Witt’s report exposed pervasive vulnerabilities in disaster readiness not only characteristic of Philadelphia, but of cities and towns nationwide,” said Spizzirri. “We must now work together to prepare the average citizen with vital life sustaining skills so that we are ready before the next emergency strikes.” Spizzirri continued, “Our ability to be emergency prepared in the future, starts with empowering our children with skills to make a life-saving difference.”