FEMA Continues to Support Response to Colorado Flooding

President Obama Makes Federal Assistance Available to Individuals

Residents Urged to Follow Instructions from Local Officials

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to support state and local response efforts to the flooding in Colorado through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington and its Regional Response Coordination Response Center in Denver, Colo.

On Saturday, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster declaration for Boulder County, Colorado.  The President’s declaration makes federal assistance available to individuals for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners in their recovery.

“As response efforts continue, FEMA encourages residents in affected areas to stay informed about changing flood conditions and follow the direction of local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Let your friends and family know that you’re safe. Impacted residents in Boulder County can start registering for federal assistance today.”

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Boulder County, Colo. can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Disaster survivors who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  Those in the affected area with access to the internet may register by Web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

The President’s major disaster declaration also makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain non-profit organizations to support emergency work in Boulder County to save lives, protect property and remove debris.

When natural disasters such as flooding occurs, the first responders are state and 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.

FEMA’s priority is to support local efforts to keep residents and communities safe. FEMA has two Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) and a liaison officer on site at the Colorado emergency operations center to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.  Three federal urban search and rescue teams, Colorado Task Force 1, activated by the state, Utah Task Force 1 and Nebraska Task Force 1, are on the ground to support search and rescue operations in hard hit areas.  Two additional federal urban search and rescue teams, Nevada Task Force 1 and Missouri Task Force 1, are en route to Colorado.

FEMA proactively staged commodities closer to the hardest hit areas and areas potentially affected by the severe weather and flooding.  More than 65,000 liters of water, 50,000 meals and other supplies have been delivered to Incident Support Bases established by FEMA. These resources are being provided to the state as needed and requested. A FEMA Incident Response Vehicle is in Colorado providing communications support to the emergency operations center for the town of Lyons.  FEMA has identified additional teams and personnel to support the state should they be needed and requested.

On Thursday, September 12, President Barack Obama declared an emergency for three counties in Colorado, and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts.  The declaration made direct federal assistance support immediately available to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in areas of Colorado, including Boulder, El Paso and Larimer counties, affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

We urge residents to continue to monitor weather conditions, and those in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials and take recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property while response efforts continue.  According to the National Weather Service, the official source for severe weather watches and warnings, flooding advisories remain in effect for several areas in Colorado, and severe weather remains in the forecast through the weekend in some areas. 

Here are a few safety tips to help keep you safe during flooding:

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid flooded areas.
  • Give first responders space to do their work by following local public safety instructions.
  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
  • Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or flooded road, turn around, don’t drown. Go another way.

Those in areas with the potential to be affected by flooding should familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a flood hazard and discuss what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued:         

  • Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if local officials give notice to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are now being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carriers’ networks. WEAs sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service are designed to get your attention and to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather.  Take the alert seriously and follow instructions. More information is available on WEA at www.ready.gov/alerts.

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

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FEMA Continues to Support Response to Colorado Flooding

FEMA Continues to Monitor Colorado Flooding and Support State and Local Response

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to closely monitor response efforts to the Colorado flooding through its National Response Coordination Center in Washington and through its Regional Response Coordination Response Center in Denver, Colo. FEMA remains in close coordination with state and local emergency management partners and stands ready to support.

Last night, President Barack Obama declared an emergency for three counties in Colorado, and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts. The declaration makes direct federal assistance support immediately available to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in areas of Colorado, including Boulder, El Paso and Larimer counties, affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

FEMA has an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) and a liaison officer on site at the Colorado emergency operations center to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.  An additional Incident Management Assistance Team is also en route.  Colorado-Task Force 1, a federal urban search and rescue team, is on the ground to support search and rescue operations in hard hit areas. 

“We urge residents to continue to monitor weather conditions, and those in impacted areas to listen carefully to instructions from their local officials,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “If you are driving and come across flood waters, remember to turn around, don’t drown. FEMA continues to have staff on the ground to support state and local lifesaving efforts.” 

According to the National Weather Service, the official source for severe weather watches and warnings, flooding advisories remain in effect for several areas in Colorado, and severe weather remains in the forecast through the weekend in some areas.  It may take several days or longer for river levels to crest and begin to recede. 

Here are a few safety tips to help keep you safe during flooding:

  • If flooding is occurring or is expected, get to higher ground quickly.
  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid flooded areas.
  • Give first responders space to do their work by following local public safety instructions.
  • It may take several days or longer for river levels to crest and begin to recede. 

Those in areas with the potential to be affected by flooding should familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a flood hazard and discuss what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued:          

  • Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if local officials give notice to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are now being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carriers’ networks. WEAs sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service are designed to get your attention and to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. Take the alert seriously and follow instructions. More information is available on WEA at www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts.

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

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

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FEMA Continues to Monitor Colorado Flooding and Support State and Local Response

Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With several areas throughout Kansas and Missouri experiencing bouts of late-summer flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents to stay informed about the potential hazards of flooding.

Floods, especially flash floods, kill more people each year than any other weather phenomenon. This recent spate of severe weather-related events across the Midwestern states serves as a pointed reminder just how dangerous floods can be and how important it is to stay abreast of weather warnings, understand flood terms, and take action by monitoring, listening, preparing and acting accordingly.

Beth Freeman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region VII urges residents to be constantly aware of their environment and any potential for flooding. “There’s no doubt that when people are aware of the dangers and power of flooding, they can take measures to lessen the exposure to danger for themselves and family members,” Freeman said. “When you’re driving and you see the road ahead is flooded, be safe. It’s best to ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ FEMA is monitoring the situation and is on standby to help states if assistance is requested.”

While floods are the most common hazard in the United States, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly. 

One of the most dangerous elements of a flood is floodwaters covering roadways, and motorists are urged to never attempt driving through them.  About 60 percent of all flood deaths result from people trying to cross flooded roads in vehicles when the moving water sweeps them away.

While flood risks can indeed be a formidable threat, there are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods. 

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should:

  • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Unplug electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Take essential documents (http://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family)

If you must leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk in areas where the water is not moving. Use a pole or stick to make sure the ground continues in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

Additional tips to consider:

  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies.
  • Keep emergency supplies on hand, such as non-perishable food, medicine, maps, a flashlight and first-aid kit.
  • Use extreme caution when returning to flood damaged homes or businesses.

Become familiar with the terms that are used to identify flooding hazards:

  • Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flash Flood Warning: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

The National Weather Service is the official source for weather watches and warnings.

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit www.ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site www.listo.gov.

For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. 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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Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

FEMA Urges Residents to Follow Direction of Local Officials Ahead of Severe Weather

Areas from Chicago to Washington, D.C. Should Prepare Now and Monitor Conditions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency urges residents to follow the direction of state, local and tribal officials ahead of severe weather forecast to affect the upper Midwest and Ohio Valley, eastward to the Mid-Atlantic states, tonight and tomorrow. FEMA, through its National Watch Center in Washington, D.C and its regional offices in Chicago, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, is closely monitoring the storm system. 

FEMA has been in touch with its emergency management counterparts, and also is in close contact with federal partners at the National Weather Service.  The severe weather is forecast to include the threat of widespread damaging winds, along with the possibility of isolated tornadoes, through the evening and overnight hours from extreme eastern Iowa, across northern and central Illinois and Indiana, and including southwest Michigan and western Ohio. The severe weather threat will shift east on Thursday and a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast for the Mid-Atlantic region from southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and southward into southern Virginia. The area of risk includes the eastern third of the United States from Florida to New England.

Individuals in the risk areas are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and follow the guidance provided by state, local or tribal officials. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are available on many cell phones on participating wireless carriers’ networks. Tune to local news media for further emergency details in your area, and take immediate action to keep safe.  WEAs sent by public safety officials, such as the National Weather Service, are designed to provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather or flash flooding. More information is available about the WEA program is available at www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts.  You can also tune to local news media for further emergency details in your area, and take immediate action to keep safe. 

Everyone should become familiar with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Some of the more common terms used to describe severe weather and tornado hazards include the following:

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. 
  • Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. 
  • Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately. 

Now is the time for residents to prepare their emergency supplies and plan for a possible loss of electrical power that could result from downed trees and debris. For detailed information about how to prepare for severe weather, including a list of items you will want to have in your emergency kit tonight, please visit www.Ready.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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FEMA Urges Residents to Follow Direction of Local Officials Ahead of Severe Weather

National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013: Pledge to Prepare, New England

Hurricane awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of hurricanes and save lives. For this reason, we are asking all citizens to make a pledge to prepare for hurricane season. By doing so, families, individuals, and businesses will become familiar with their vulnerabilities and can take action to prepare for and reduce the impacts of a hurricane. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, 2013 and continues through November 30, 2013.

Many states and communities are already constantly preparing by participating in large-scale training exercises that require the same level of planning and preparation that a real hurricane would demand. These exercises are challenging, and are designed to help participants determine their level of preparedness, and where they need to focus more attention.

We ask all states, communities and residents to join us for National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 26 through June 1, 2013, by pledging to prepare – and taking these simple steps:

• Know and understand your weather risk

• Take action

• Be an example for your family, friends and neighbors when hurricanes affect our area

Knowing your risk is to understand how hurricane and tropical storm events, in both coastal and inland areas, disrupt lives and directly impact you and your family where you live, work and go to school. Check the weather forecast regularly, sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials, and obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.

Taking action includes a number of easy steps:

• Complete your Ready Emergency Preparedness Plan

• Update your Emergency Supply Kit

• Download the FEMA smartphone application to access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

Being an example is the third simple step. Once you have pledged and taken action, spread the word to family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Inform them of your preparation actions and assist them with creating their own plan to prepare. You can be the example. Inspire others by posting your story on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can also post our Preparedness Widget on your social media profiles. It could save a life!

Join us today and pledge to prepare at www.ready.gov/hurricanes during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 26 – June 1, 2013.

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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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National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2013: Pledge to Prepare, New England

2013 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Pledge to Prepare

NEW YORK – As hurricane season approaches, pledge to protect your family, friends and businesses by knowing your risk, taking action and being an example.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration have partnered again this year to promote National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week – May 26 through June 1 – highlights the importance of planning ahead to protect our families and secure our communities. Hurricane season is June 1 through Nov. 30.

“I’m sure New Yorkers who saw Sandy’s impact know the importance of preparing for hurricane season,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Michael F. Byrne. “Everyone should take the pledge and use social media to let their friends know how they can prepare against disasters.”

Recent studies show that many people use social media during a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe. Social media provides the perfect platform for preparedness. Pledge to use it and to and take the following steps:

Know your risk: Understand how hurricanes could impact you, your family and your community. When you understand your risk, you are more apt to know how to prepare.  Check weather forecasts regularly, sign up for local alerts from your emergency management officials and get a NOAA Weather Radio.

Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by local emergency management officials. Post your plan in your home where friends and family can see it. Understand the National Hurricane Center watches and warnings. Purchase flood insurance now – there’s a 30-day waiting period and download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Stay informed with FEMA’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Be an example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on what you have done to prepare and inspire others.

More information can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Information on different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding is available at www.weather.gov  and www.ready.gov/hurricanes or the Spanish-language website www.listo.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.fema.gov/blog.

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2013 National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Pledge to Prepare

Getting Youth Prepared!

Calling all community and faith-based organizations; youth development leaders; educators; leaders of after-school, extracurricular, weekend, and camp programs; and, emergency management and preparedness professionals interested in youth programs!  FEMA Region X and the American Red Cross (ARC), Western Washington Chapters, will be co-sponsoring free workshops in May on how your organization can easily incorporate emergency readiness into your programs. 

To be a part of this exciting opportunity, register for an Emergency Readiness Workshop at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/readinesswkshp. There are two workshops available to choose from: Wednesday, May 1 from 4-8 pm in Seattle and Saturday, May 11 from 10-2 pm in DuPont. Please register ASAP, as seats are filling quickly!

As committed leaders for youth emergency preparedness, FEMA and ARC developed the Emergency Readiness Workshops focused on engaging youth-serving organizations in emergency preparedness. These workshops are coordinated through multiple partners, including: Washington Emergency Management Division, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Seattle Office of Emergency Management, Pierce County Department of Emergency Management, and Radio Disney AM 1250.

Nearly one million youth call the Puget Sound home, which is a region that is highly susceptible to a wide range of natural hazards and threats. Therefore, this youth outreach effort is essential to building a more resilient community. Research shows that households with children who bring home preparedness materials are significantly more likely to be prepared for an emergency (ready.gov).

“Engaging and preparing our youth is a critical part of Whole Community emergency preparation because youth have a unique ability to influence their peers and families to be more ready and resilient,” said Ken Murphy, FEMA Region X Administrator. “Youth play important roles in disaster preparedness during and after a crisis.”

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Getting Youth Prepared!

Severe Weather – Be a Force of Nature: Know Your Risk, Take Action, and Be an Example: NOAA, FEMA’s National Severe Weather Preparedness Week Begins…

CHICAGO – Sunday marked the start of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are joining together to help save lives from severe weather by delivering the following important message to the public: be a Force of Nature by knowing your risk and taking proactive emergency preparedness measures as well as inspiring others to do the same.

“Severe weather is unpredictable, but you can prepare for it,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA regional administrator.  “Start by knowing your risk. Then, take action by making your emergency plans and once you are prepared, encourage friends and neighbors to be prepared too.”

NOAA and FEMA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

  • Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect the area where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms, and your shelter planning should include all types of local hazards.
  • Take action: Develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe weather event. Create or refresh an emergency kit with food, supplies and medication that will be needed by you and your family after a disaster. Post your plan in your home where family and visitors can see it. Learn community evacuation routes. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
  • Be an example: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show that individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – be one of those sources. When you seek shelter after a warning, text, tweet or update your status so your friends and family will know you are safe. You might just save their lives by encouraging others to seek safety too. For more information on how you can prepare for severe weather, visit www.ready.gov/severe-weather.

“By taking these easy steps, you will be prepared for any type of disaster,” said Velasquez. 

About NOAA

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook , Twitter and our other social media channels.

About FEMA

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 twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only.  FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf (312) 408-4455

 

 

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Severe Weather – Be a Force of Nature: Know Your Risk, Take Action, and Be an Example: NOAA, FEMA’s National Severe Weather Preparedness Week Begins…

Disaster Recovery Center hours altered due to severe winter weather

NEW YORK – Because of a winter storm warning issued for the New York area, all Disaster Recovery Centers will close at noon Friday, Feb. 8, and remain closed on Saturday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency takes this action out of concern for the safety and well-being of Hurricane Sandy survivors who might be planning to visit a recovery center.

The FEMA Helpline will remain open for normal operations. Hurricane Sandy survivors who have questions can still call  800-621-3362 (7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services are available) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice. Disaster Recovery Centers will re-open at 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

Residents or visitors should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings.

Now is the time to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods. More information on how to prepare for severe weather is available at www.Ready.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Disaster Recovery Center hours altered due to severe winter weather

FEMA Urges Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Residents to Monitor Conditions and Be Prepared for Severe Weather

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, through its regional offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Denton, Texas; Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, is closely monitoring the storm system that is forecast to affect the upper Ohio Valley southward to the central Gulf Coast and eastward to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast coast.                                    

FEMA has been in touch with its state counterparts, and also is in close contact with federal partners at the National Weather Service.  The severe weather is forecast to include the threat of widespread damaging winds, along with the possibility of tornadoes, through the evening and overnight hours.

Although there have been no requests for federal assistance at this time, FEMA encourages all individuals in areas where severe weather is expected to monitor NOAA Weather Radio, and local news for severe weather updates and warnings and to always follow the direction provided by local officials. 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.

Everyone should become familiar with the terms used to identify a severe weather hazard and discuss with your family what to do if a watch or warning is issued. Some of the more common terms used to describe severe weather and tornado hazards include the following:

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. 
  • Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. 
  • Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately. 

For a complete listing of weather-related forecasts in your area, visit www.weather.gov

If you are in an area that is in the track of the storm system but has not yet been affected by the severe weather, it’s never too early to prepare:

  • Keep up to date with local conditions – Follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
  • Check your family’s emergency supply kit – Make sure you have food, water, medications, and other necessities to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. This includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone charger, medicines, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.
  • Listen to the instructions of local officials. Local officials make decisions on sheltering in place or going to your pre-designated safe meeting location.

For more information on severe weather and tornado preparedness tips, visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to find out how you can protect your family during emergencies.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, 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 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Residents to Monitor Conditions and Be Prepared for Severe Weather

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