MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As recovery continues from the April 28 to May 5 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that hit Alabama, federal officials are offering help on how to rebuild “stronger and safer” for the next disaster.

Specialists with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be at Home Depot and Lowe’s home improvement stores around Alabama to offer residents information about rebuilding their flood- and wind-damaged homes to make them better able to withstand future disasters.

“When you’re picking up after a disaster, preparing for the next one is sometimes the last thing on your mind,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer, Albie Lewis. “But our mitigation specialists can show you easy ways to make your home or business ‘better and safer’ the next time tornadoes, flooding or high winds hit.”

Mitigation advisors can provide valuable information on how to reinforce structures against flooding and other hazards, how to construct a safe room, and information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

They can also offer advice on mold and mildew cleanup, rebuilding structures to resist high winds, and how electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances can be protected from flooding. Free publications on a variety of rebuilding and recovery topics will also be available.

“Here in Alabama, we know that making our homes, businesses, and communities more resilient just makes sense,” said Alabama’s State Coordinating Officer, Jeff Byard. “If there are cost-effective ways to make you, your family and your property safer the next time a disaster strikes, why wouldn’t you do it?”

Mitigation teams will be at the following stores on the following dates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

June 20-21, June 23-25                                                                    

Jefferson County

Home Depot              

6405 Flintridge Drive

Fairfield, AL 35064

Lowe’s 

1201 19th Street North

Bessemer, AL 35020

Mobile County

Home Depot  

755 Schillinger Road South  

Mobile, AL 36695

June 27-28, June 30                                                              

Lee County

Home Depot 

2190 Tiger Town Parkway

Opelika, AL 36801

Baldwin County

Home Depot

2899 S McKenzie Street       

Foley, AL 36535        

In addition to the mitigation advisors, an Individual Assistance representative will also be on hand to provide general information about assistance to survivors. For specific case information, survivors can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

To download materials on a variety of topics about strengthening property against tornadoes, flooding or other hazards, visit:

• http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster or

• http://www.fema.gov/building-science/2013-tornadoes-building-science-activities-resources or
• http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes