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When hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, ITT Flygt and other companies within ITT Industries immediately placed their resources at the city's disposal. Systems to provide potable water, pumps to remove water and manpower to operate the machines were quickly on the spot in the flooded city. In addition, ITT Industries donated the equivalent of two million Swedish crowns to the Red Cross in the U.S.

"As a result of ITT Industries' efforts in connection with the Tsunami, we knew what to prioritize after the Katrina devastation. The first step was to get fresh drinking water. We contributed with equipment that can give 250,000 people clean water every day. Then we had to begin pumping out the water that had flooded the city. Equipment and manpower to solve both problems were quickly in place," says Per-Inge Birgersson, chairman of ITT Flygt.

"For many years we have had the privilege of supplying pump equipment to New Orleans. It was natural, therefore, to start planning our relief efforts as soon as we knew that the hurricane was coming. In a very short time we had engaged trucking companies, found roads available for transporting equipment and people, secured access to electricity and were on the spot to start helping," comments Per-Inge Birgersson.

Contributing to the preparatory relief work was a joint effort for all companies with ITT Industries. ITT Flygt sent pump equipment. Other companies offered night vision equipment, which made it possible to search for survivors in the dark. ITT Industries could also offer satellite support for help to locate and rescue victims of the catastrophe.

"New Orleans and its' citizens have been hit hard by hurricane Katrina. To restore the city will take time and demand a huge effort and commitment from many people. Together with other divisions of ITT, Flygt will be among those making important contributions," says Per-Inge Birgersson, chairman of ITT Flygt.

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