* Emergency officials from hurricane-stricken states appealed to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday for help preparing for the coming storm season.

Chertoff said the federal government should not be considered the first line of defense during disasters. But R. David Paulison, acting director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said, "I give you my personal guarantee that we are going to be ready."

* Former FEMA chief Michael Brown said Wednesday that he will not serve as a paid consultant to St. Bernard Parish, a New Orleans suburb.

Brown, whose name became synonymous with government ineptitude after Katrina, had planned to meet with officials in the parish today to help them navigate the recovery process. He canceled his trip after residents protested.

Brown made the decision after meeting with the parish president.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AND SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL