U.S. President Barack Obama used his weekly address Saturday to thank the first responders and the National Guard for their work in response to Hurricane Sandy and to reassure Sandy's victims that they have the support of their country as they recover from the storm's devastation.
The president said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had thousands of emergency response teams in the East Coast storm areas immediately after the storm, equipped with supplies, including food, water and generators.
Obama promised government bureaucracy would not get in the way of solving problems, especially for local utilities restoring power.
The president gave out a FEMA toll-free phone number and website for those directly affected by the storm and still needing help.
President Obama urged those who wanted to volunteer to help in the recovery process to contact the Red Cross.
Watch President Obama's weekly speech: