Digital Preliminary Flood Maps For Polk County Ready For Public Viewing

ATLANTA– Newly revised digital flood insurance rate maps for Polk County, Fla. will be available for residents to review at three public open houses during the week of May 11, 2015. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open houses provide residents of Polk County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. 

The open houses will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. The open house dates and locations are:

May 12, 2015

Polk Street Community Center

1255 Polk St.

Bartow, FL 33830

 

May 13, 2015

City of Lakeland, Magnolia Building

698 E. Orange St.

Lakeland, FL 33801

 

May 14, 2015

Winter Haven Chain O’ Lakes Complex, Pool Room, South Entrance

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33880

The new maps were produced through a partnership with Polk County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is to protect property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities. 

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov  for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Digital Preliminary Flood Maps For Polk County Ready For Public Viewing

Hazard Mitigation Grant Workshop Scheduled

ATLANTA—The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold one workshop on June 10, 2015 to explain a hazard mitigation program that funds projects that reduce or eliminate damage from future disasters.

A portion of the federal funding made available for disaster response and recovery from the February winter storm is allocated for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The program provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation projects.

State officials will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information to workshop participants and to anyone who is interested.

The workshop is scheduled at:

  • Hall County Emergency Operations Center – Wednesday, June 10 from 10 am to noon, 470 Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501

Examples of HMGP projects include:

  • Development or improvement of warning systems that include mitigation measures;
  • Construction of public tornado safe rooms that meet FEMA construction guidelines;
  • Retrofitting methods, such as elevation in place, structure relocation, structural reinforcement for high wind and seismic events, strapping of utilities, installation of storm shutters, tie downs, and other measures;
  • Acquisition of property and/or relocation of homes, businesses and public facilities from hazard-prone areas;
  • Generators that protect a critical facility and meet all other HMGP eligibility criteria.  Critical facilities may include Emergency Operation Centers, police and fire stations, hospitals, and water and sewer treatment facilities;
  • Wildfire mitigation, such as creating defensible space, application of ignition-resistant construction and hazardous fuel reduction;
  • Soil stabilization projects that protect against erosion and landslides;
  • Structural hazard control or protection measures, such as floodwalls, detention basins and other storm drainage upgrades; and
  • Development of a local Hazard Mitigation Plan that meets federal standards.

The state’s priority for the HMGP is to fund projects in the designated counties that reduce or eliminate damages to life and property resulting from severe winter storms.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

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Hazard Mitigation Grant Workshop Scheduled

Hardin County Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

ATLANTA – Federal disaster assistance is now available to eligible government entities and certain private non-profits in Hardin County, Tenn., for eligible damages from the severe winter storm of Feb. 15 -22.

Hardin County joins the list of 35 other counties already receiving assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration signed April 2, 2015.

The county was added to the declaration following new damage assessments requested by the state, and conducted by local officials, representatives of Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Previously declared counties include: Anderson, Bedford, Bledsoe, Blount, Campbell, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Fentress, Giles, Grainger, Grundy, Hamblen, Hancock, Hardeman, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Loudon, Marshall, McMinn, McNairy, Meigs, Monroe, Moore, Morgan, Obion, Overton, Putnam, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Van Buren, Warren and White.

The federal assistance will allow eligible government entities and certain private non-profits in the declared counties to apply for reimbursement of specific expenses related to disaster response and recovery under the FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. 

The Public Assistance Program provides a 75 percent funding reimbursement for costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and rebuilding and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

 

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Hardin County Added to Federal Disaster Declaration

Hamilton County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

ATLANTA–Newly revised digital flood insurance rate maps for Hamilton County, TN; will be available for residents to review at a public open house on April 13. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides the residents of Hamilton County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. 

The April 13th open house will be held between 4-7 p.m. at:

Development Resource Center Room 1A

1250 Market St.

Chattanooga, TN 37402

The new maps were produced through a partnership among Hamilton County, the state of Tennessee, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities. Residents may also visit their local community’s permitting and development office to view the maps in person, or call their local floodplain manager with questions about where their property is located on the preliminary flood maps.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent Visit www.floodsmart.gov  for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Hamilton County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

Be Disaster Aware. Take Action To Prepare

ATLANTA – September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to make disaster preparedness a priority.

“National Preparedness Month reminds us that we all need to be ready for disasters and emergencies,” said FEMA Region IV Acting Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “September is also the height of hurricane season, so preparing now is even more critical for families and businesses in the Southeast.”

Across the Nation, disasters are occurring with greater frequency, and are larger and more complex. Severe weather and other emergencies can strike with little or no warning and can have disastrous impacts. Already this year, states across the Southeast have experienced destructive severe storms, including the winter storms that affected Alabama, Georgia and North and South Carolina. Spring tornadoes and flooding also affected several states. Four named tropical cyclones, Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, and Dolly have already formed this summer, and they serve as a reminder to be ready for hurricanes.

“Take the steps necessary to make preparedness a part of your everyday life,” said Velasquez. “Prepare for the hazards that are most likely to occur where you live and work. Talk to your family and make a family disaster plan. But don’t stop there. Practice your plan. Practicing in advance of a disaster makes you better prepared to handle any emergency you may encounter.”

Make disaster readiness manageable by taking one step at a time— start by learning your specific risks, then gather supplies for an emergency kit, and finally develop a family communications plan. By taking these small, but critical steps, over time you can be prepared for disasters. A useful guide to prepare for hurricanes is located at FEMA’s America’s PrepareAthon! website.

Throughout the month, FEMA will offer tips to help you be disaster ready, including ways you can stay safe during a disaster. Follow FEMA Region IV online at twitter.com/femaregion4 and www.facebook.com/fema, to receive the latest preparedness updates.  

For detailed information about how to be ready for severe weather in your area, including a list of items you will want to have in your emergency kit, visit http://www.ready.gov/, or our Spanish site at www.listo.gov.

 FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

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Be Disaster Aware. Take Action To Prepare

Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Frances

ATLANTA – September 5 marks 10 years since Hurricane Frances hit Florida and brings timely reminders to be prepared for hurricanes.

Floridians were still recovering from Hurricane Charley as Frances bore down on the east coast of Florida three weeks later. Frances was as big as the state of Texas and twice the size of Charley. As Frances moved slowly over the ocean and approached the coast, orders were given and 2.8 million residents of 41 Florida counties evacuated—the largest evacuation in Florida’s history since Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Frances made landfall on Florida’s east coast as a Category 2 hurricane early on September 5, crossed the Florida Peninsula, and later that night made a second landfall in the Big Bend region.

While Hurricane Frances is remembered for the evacuation, situations requiring people to leave their homes, can happen without warning. Hurricanes may give residents a day or two to move to a safer location, but a fire, chemical spill or transportation accident may require immediate evacuation. Many disasters allow little time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning now is essential.

Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare

September marks National Preparedness Month, and this week’s anniversary of Hurricane Frances is an opportune time to plan how to ‘Reconnect and Reunite with Family Following a Disaster.’ Take time this week to talk with your family about where you will meet and how you will contact each other if separated. Develop plans, including knowing your evacuation zone and routes, ahead of the next severe storm. Information to help you make a family emergency plan is at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Start your plan today! National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30 with America’s PrepareAthon! Check out the information and plan to participate.

Following Hurricane Frances, FEMA provided:

  • Nearly $412 million in grants to more than 229,500 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program for lodging expenses, rental assistance, minor home repairs and other needs assistance;
  • Nearly $2.5 million for Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
  • More than $649 million for emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities;
  • More than $99 million in funding for mitigation projects to help reduce damage from future storms.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided:

  • More than $227 million in low-interest disaster loans to nearly 11,000 renters and homeowners;
  • More than $200 million to nearly 2,000 businesses.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

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Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Frances

Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Charley

ATLANTA—Ten years ago, Hurricane Charley’s arrival on the Florida shore kicked off an unusual string of four devastating hurricanes that hit the state within seven weeks. Florida was the first state to be struck by four hurricanes in one season since Texas in 1886.

Hurricane Charley, first of the four in 2004, is remembered for its wind speed and force. Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne bore their own distinct characteristics: Jeanne rambled across the state causing near-record flooding; Ivan was the most powerful; and Frances caused the most widespread destruction because of the 23 tornadoes it spawned.

Tropical Storm Bonnie struck south of Apalachicola hours before Charley made landfall, the first time a state had been directly affected by two tropical cyclones on the same day.

Fast-moving Charley landed on Florida’s west coast and hit Punta Gorda on Friday, the 13th. Charley had peak winds of 150 mph as it came ashore, and sped through Orlando and across the state with wind gusts in excess of 106 mph.

Power outages lasted days, and in some cases, weeks. Many Floridians lost the roofs of their homes due to Charley’s powerful winds.

At the time, Charley was the strongest storm to strike Florida since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and it left behind an estimated $15 billion in damage.

In the immediate aftermath of Charley, the American Red Cross sheltered 100,000 survivors. Some 3,800 patients received treatment from FEMA Disaster Medical Assistance Teams—rapid response teams of professional and para-professional medical personnel.

Following Hurricane Charley, FEMA provided:

  • $209 million to 116,789 applicants through the Individuals and Households Program. This included nearly $92 million to pay for lodging expenses, rental assistance, and minor home repairs;
  • More than $344 million to provide manufactured housing where insufficient housing resources were available to survivors;
  • Nearly $18 million for Disaster Unemployment Assistance to help people who were otherwise ineligible for unemployment compensation, such as farmers and self-employed individuals out of work as a result of the disaster; and
  • Nearly $5.3 million for crisis counseling.
  • FEMA also provided $609 million for the repair or replacement of public infrastructure and public utilities, including public parks, and some private nonprofit groups and emergency protective measures. Of this amount, $288 million helped cover the costs of removing 18 million cubic yards of debris scattered by Charley.
  • So far, FEMA has provided more than $81 million in funding for projects to help reduce damage from future storms. More funding may be forthcoming as FEMA continues to partner with the State of Florida on recovery from Charley.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provided:

  • Nearly $308 million in low-interest disaster loans to renters and owners of 11,287 homes;
  • Nearly $199 million to more than 2,141 businesses.

Hurricane Charley brought long term power outages and wind damage. Take time now, before the next storm, to check your roof for any necessary repairs and have emergency tarps to cover roof damage or to protect personal belongings. FEMA has developed a series of publications to help you protect your property from high winds. You can find them here. Batteries and other emergency lighting supplies belong in everyone’s emergency kit. You can also find a useful guide to preparing for hurricanes at FEMA’s America’s PrepareAthon!

“Each storm teaches a lesson,” said FEMA Region IV Acting Regional Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “When the people who live and work in hurricane-prone areas apply those lessons to prepare for future storms, they strengthen their resiliency.”

After you’ve taken steps to prepare your home, inspire others: share your plan and how you prepared with a friend or neighbor.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov for more information about how you and your family can be better prepared for the next disaster.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

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Ten Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Charley

FEMA Urges Preparedness ahead of Severe Weather; Residents Encouraged to Monitor Conditions and Follow Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Denton, Texas, is monitoring a large-scale storm system moving across the western U.S. into the Great Plains which will potentially cause a multi-day severe weather outbreak this weekend and into early next week. Residents in potentially affected areas should take the time now to ensure they are prepared for severe weather.

FEMA is in close contact with the National Weather Service, which is forecasting the development of severe thunderstorms across the central and southern Great Plains this weekend and into the Mississippi Valley and mid-South early next week, with the potential for hail, damaging winds and tornadoes, as the system progresses eastward.  Ahead of this storm, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible today in parts of southern Virginia and North Carolina For a comprehensive forecast for your area, visit www.weather.gov.

Many mobile devices are capable of receiving free Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert.

When natural disasters like severe weather and tornadoes strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

Severe Weather & Tornado Safety Tips   

  • Maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for power outages or impassable roads. Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies. Find severe weather and tornado preparedness tips at http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather.
  • Follow the instructions of state and local officials, and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated disaster response and evacuation information. Residents can listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings. The National Weather Service is the source for tornado watches and warnings.
  • Become familiar with the terms used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Terms used to describe tornado and other severe weather hazards include the following:

For a flash flood:

  • A flash flood watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • A flash flood warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

For a severe thunderstorm:

  • A severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm with large hail and/or damaging winds is possible in your area.
  • A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm with large hail and/or damaging winds is occurring or imminent, move indoors immediately.

For a tornado:

  • A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
  • A tornado warning means a tornado is either occurring or imminent, take shelter immediately.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications. 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

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FEMA Urges Preparedness ahead of Severe Weather; Residents Encouraged to Monitor Conditions and Follow Direction of Local Officials

Car Preparedness Critical During Winter Months

LINCROFT, N.J. – The recent winter storm in Atlanta wreaked havoc on traffic and left motorists and vehicles stranded on the city’s highways for days. Many people were forced to stay in their cars overnight, while others abandoned their vehicles to escape the gridlock.

The harshness of the winter the country is experiencing emphasizes the importance of making sure that your vehicle is prepared for cold and inclement weather. There are two aspects of vehicle preparedness during the winter months: Maintaining your vehicle to reduce the risk of an accident, breakdown, or other problems; and having the right equipment on hand to solve problems that do arise.

Here are some important things you should check when winterizing your vehicle. Most of these steps can be handled without assistance from a mechanic:

  • Antifreeze levels
  • Batteries (terminals should be clean)
  • Brakes (check for wear and brake fluid)
  • Exhaust system, for leaks, clogs and crimped/otherwise damaged pipes
  • Heater and defroster
  • Head and tail lights, turn signals and hazard lights. Make sure they’re working and are visible
  • Engine oil levels. If the oil needs to be changed, www.ready.gov recommends using a lighter oil, which lubricates better at lower temperatures and doesn’t congeal like heavy oils
  • Thermostat
  • Wear and condition of windshield wipers, as well as levels of windshield washer fluid. Use a winter formula of windshield washer fluid
  • Tires. Make sure the tread is adequate and that you have snow tires or chains if required. Also make sure you have adequate tire pressure, including the spare
  • Keep your gas tank as full as possible to prevent the fuel line from freezing

There is more to vehicle preparedness than keeping your car properly maintained. If you’re on the road and disaster strikes, having the right equipment and materials in your car can help you rescue yourself and others, help other rescue you, or allow you to safely remain in place if help cannot arrive immediately.

  • First-aid kit with up-to-date medications
  • A shovel
  • An ice scraper/small broom
  • Cat litter or sand for better traction
  • Jumper cables
  • An AM/FM radio (battery or crank-operated)
  • Emergency flares and/or reflective triangles
  • Blankets and/or a sleeping bag
  • Rope/tow chain
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Snack foods and water
  • Matches

Keeping your car properly equipped and in top condition will reduce the risk of a serious winter weather-related incident on the road, as well as leave you better prepared to handle any emergencies that arise.

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http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only

From – 

Car Preparedness Critical During Winter Months

FEMA Urges Residents Across the South and Southeast to Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

Residents Should Follow the Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is closely coordinating with states potentially impacted by severe winter weather across the southern United States. FEMA, through its regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, and Denton TX, and its National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. as well as its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continues to closely monitor the severe winter weather currently impacting the South and Southeast, and forecasted to move up the Eastern Seaboard.

Today, President Obama declared an emergency for 45 counties in the State of Georgia, at the request of Georgia Governor Nathan Neal, authorizing FEMA to support the state in its efforts to respond to the storm. FEMA has deployed a Federal Coordinating Officer and a liaison to support the state emergency operations center in Atlanta.

FEMA continues to be in close, continuing contact with state, tribal and local partners in potentially impacted areas and stands ready to support its partners, if requested and needed. FEMA has also enhanced staffing at its Regional Watch Center in Atlanta and at its National Watch Center in Washington D.C.

According to the National Weather Service, a major winter storm will impact locations from Texas to the Southeast today before it moves up the Eastern Seaboard on Wednesday. Residents along the path of the storm can find their local forecast at www.weather.gov.

When natural disasters like severe weather strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and private organizations who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

FEMA encourages residents and visitors in the track of the storms to follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by local officials. Residents can find trusted sources for weather and preparedness information via Twitter on FEMA’s Social Hub here: http://www.fema.gov/social-hub

Wireless Emergency Alerts are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. More information on Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at http://www.ready.gov/alerts.  Individuals can check with their cellular carrier to determine if their phone or wireless device is WEA-enabled.

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify winter storm hazards and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

  • A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms when the following conditions are expected to last for at least three hours: winds of at least 35 miles per hour with considerable snowfall that reduces visibility to ¼ of a mile or less. 
  • A Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
  • A Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
  • A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
  • An Ice Storm Warning is when freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
  • Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
  • Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, make sure you have an emergency supply kit in the trunk of your car. FEMA encourages families to maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

An emergency supply kit should include a three-day supply of food and water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries.  Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
  • Sand to improve traction;
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; and
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm. 

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan.  Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, and ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.listo.gov  to find out how you can prepare your family for winter storms and other disasters.

Residents Should Follow the Direction of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is closely coordinating with states potentially impacted by severe winter weather across the southern United States. FEMA, through its regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, and Denton TX, and its National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. as well as its federal partners, including the National Weather Service, continues to closely monitor the severe winter weather currently impacting the South and Southeast, and forecasted to move up the Eastern Seaboard.

Today, President Obama declared an emergency for 45 counties in the State of Georgia, at the request of Georgia Governor Nathan Neal, authorizing FEMA to support the state in its efforts to respond to the storm. FEMA has deployed a Federal Coordinating Officer and a liaison to support the state emergency operations center in Atlanta.

FEMA continues to be in close, continuing contact with state, tribal and local partners in potentially impacted areas and stands ready to support its partners, if requested and needed. FEMA has also enhanced staffing at its Regional Watch Center in Atlanta and at its National Watch Center in Washington D.C.

According to the National Weather Service, a major winter storm will impact locations from Texas to the Southeast today before it moves up the Eastern Seaboard on Wednesday. Residents along the path of the storm can find their local forecast at www.weather.gov.

When natural disasters like severe weather strike, the first responders are local emergency and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and private organizations who provide emergency assistance required to protect the public’s health and safety and to meet immediate human needs.

FEMA encourages residents and visitors in the track of the storms to follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by local officials. Residents can find trusted sources for weather and preparedness information via Twitter on FEMA’s Social Hub here: http://www.fema.gov/social-hub

Wireless Emergency Alerts are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service about imminent threats like severe weather. They look like a text message and show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. More information on Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at http://www.ready.gov/alerts.  Individuals can check with their cellular carrier to determine if their phone or wireless device is WEA-enabled.

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

FEMA encourages all Americans to visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about how to be better prepared and how to protect your family during emergencies.

Get to know the terms that are used to identify winter storm hazards and discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.

  • A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms when the following conditions are expected to last for at least three hours: winds of at least 35 miles per hour with considerable snowfall that reduces visibility to ¼ of a mile or less. 
  • A Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.
  • A Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
  • A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.
  • An Ice Storm Warning is when freezing rain produces a significant and possibly damaging accumulation of ice.
  • Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.
  • Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, make sure you have an emergency supply kit in the trunk of your car. FEMA encourages families to maintain an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for winter power outages and icy or impassable roads.

An emergency supply kit should include a three-day supply of food and water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries.  Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways;
  • Sand to improve traction;
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; and
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to help keep you warm. 

Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan.  Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government, and ensure your home and car are prepared for the winter weather.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: www.ready.gov/winter-weather or www.listo.gov  to find out how you can prepare your family for winter storms and other disasters.

Visit source – 

FEMA Urges Residents Across the South and Southeast to Prepare for Severe Winter Weather

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