Henri downgraded from a tropical storm to depression once it made landfall on August 22. While there are reports of flooded streets, power outages, and fallen trees, there have been no reports of damage to IAFF member homes. As the storm continues to weaken, a comprehensive IAFF Disaster Relief operation is not expected.
As the storm moved inland, flooding, wind damage, and power outages have been reported in parts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. According to local power companies, more than 100,000 customers lost power on August 22 in New England, New York, and New Jersey.
Disaster preparedness
“This IAFF has a team pre-positioned for disaster relief operations, if needed, to assist members affected by this storm,” says General President Ed Kelly. “We are prepared with resources in place to provide disaster relief assistance.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma says, “Taking care of one another, and our families, when disaster strikes is fundamental to the IAFF. It’s why every level of our union from state association presidents to our District Vice Presidents and our team at headquarters have been working to prepare the resources that may be needed.”
HEART 9/11
IAFF remains in close contact with HEART 9/11 to assist in the aftermath of the storm
IAFF 1st District Vice President James Slevin, 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert, and 16th District Vice President James Johnson are working with state and local presidents to ensure IAFF has resources available in areas likely to experience the most impact.
Additionally, IAFF remains in close contact with HEART 9/11, which also has teams ready to assist in the aftermath of the storm. HEART 9/11 is comprised of active and retired New York fire, police, and building trades union members who help repair the homes of union members impacted by natural and man-made disasters.
The IAFF will continue to provide updates on social media and the website on the impact of Tropical Storm Henri.