Natural Disasters Happen … Take Steps to Minimize Home Damage

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Weather happens. Sometimes it’s severe enough to cause flooding and wind damage like Superstorm Sandy did in Maryland, especially on the Eastern Shore.

You can take steps before the next disaster to protect your family and minimize property damage. It’s called “hazard mitigation.”

Mitigation experts from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest that families have a disaster preparedness plan and make their homes less vulnerable to high winds and torrential rains that accompany tropical storms or hurricanes.

Some things you can do yourself, such as stowing outside furniture when there’s a forecast for severe weather. Other measures may need the expertise of an electrician, plumber, contractor or other professional. Also, remember to check with your local officials for any permit requirements.

Anchor a fuel tank.  Whether it’s in a basement or outside of your dwelling, attach the tank to structural supports.  Keep it topped-off to reduce the possibility of the tank floating away.

Raise electrical boxes, major appliances, and HVAC components.  Survey the “infrastructure” of your home and elevate vulnerable items, such as furnaces, hot-water heaters, washers and dryers.

Stop water backup. If flood waters enter the sewer system, sewage can back up and enter your home. To prevent this, install a backflow valve.

Protect your home against high winds. If you are considering replacing doors and windows, look for impact-tested doors and think about adding storm shutters.

Brace garage doors.  During a hurricane, garage doors are vulnerable.  Adding braces across the back of the door and strengthening glider wheel tracks can help. If you are constructing a new home, consider installing a garage door built to withstand high winds.

FEMA publications can point you in the right direction for information about how to reinforce your home against high winds and flooding and how to secure important personal property. Go online to FEMA’s “How To” series at www.go.usa.gov/CR9 or order copies by calling FEMA Publications at 800-480-2520.

Information also is available on the website of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at www.mema.maryland.gov.

Other sources of helpful information are www.disastersafety.org and www.flash.org, the website of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – FLASH Inc.

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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Natural Disasters Happen … Take Steps to Minimize Home Damage

U.S. Fire Administration Urges Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy to Stay Safe as Cold Weather Approaches

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is urging residents to be safe as cold weather blankets the United States, including areas recently impacted by Hurricane Sandy. According to the NOAA National Weather Service, a coastal storm is expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning after midnight Tuesday night and continue through Thursday night, with clearing expected by Friday. Impacts to the effected regions include; strong gusty northerly winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph, rain of 1 to 2.5 inches along the coast, with lesser amounts inland possible, light wintry precipitation is possible inland, and coastal flooding/beach erosion along the New York/New Jersey coast. USFA urges everyone to monitor NOAA weather radio and local news reports for the latest storm conditions and take the necessary precautions to keep safe.

“As the cold weather approaches and residents are taking measures to stay warm, remember to take safety precautions,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell.

Cooking and home heating are the leading causes of residential building fires during periods of cold weather. The risk of fires also increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters.  Carbon monoxide (CO) is also a serious threat in cold weather. Any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential CO source. Carbon monoxide is called the “invisible killer,” because it is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are an important line of defense in the home, and they give consumers valuable escape time.  About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or in homes where consumers have removed the alarm’s batteries or where the batteries are dead.

The USFA recommends that in addition to having working smoke and CO alarms, all residents should follow these safety tips to prevent fires and CO poisoning during the recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy:

Preventing Fires

  • Do not enter a building when the smell of natural gas is detected.  Leave the building immediately and contact the fire department.
  • Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
  • Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
  • Make sure your alternative heaters have ‘tip switches.’ These ‘tip switches’ are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
  • Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
  • Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
  • Refuel heaters only outdoors.
  • Make sure wood stoves are properly operating, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
  • Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items
  • Place space heaters on a floor that is flat and level. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets.  Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials; and place space heaters out of the flow of foot traffic.  Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
  • To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person.  Turn the heater off when you leave the area.
  • Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
  • Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container, and cover the container with a lid.  Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. Dispose of ashes carefully, keeping them away from dry leaves, trash or other combustible materials.
  • Never bring gasoline into a building. 

Preventing CO poisoning

  • Schedule a yearly professional inspection of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents. 
  • NEVER operate a portable gasoline-powered generator in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, or crawlspace, or in the home.
  • Keep portable generators as far away from your home and your neighbors’ homes as possible – away from open doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.
  • When purchasing a space heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features.  An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.
  • Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space, unless they are designed specifically for indoor use.  Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
  • Never use gas or electric stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can pose a CO or fire hazard.

For further information regarding these safety tips or other post hurricane safety recommendations, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.    

As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

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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U.S. Fire Administration Urges Residents Affected by Hurricane Sandy to Stay Safe as Cold Weather Approaches

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Areas Affected by the Aftermath of Sandy

Contact: FEMA News Desk

Phone:  (202) 646-2372

 

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the federal government’s assistance to support states in response and recovery of Hurricane Sandy. Today, the President convened a video-teleconference in the White House Situation Room to receive the latest update on Hurricane Sandy and the federal efforts underway to support response activities in several states. On the video-teleconference, the President was joined by Vice President Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Fugate, Secretary of Energy Chu, Transportation Secretary Lahood, Defense Secretary Panetta, and Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Brennan. Treasury Secretary Geithner joined the briefing by phone. The President continues to direct Administrator Fugate to ensure that federal partners continue to bring all available resources to bear to support state, local, territorial and tribal communities in affected areas.

Last night, the President declared major disasters for New York and New Jersey, making disaster assistance available to those in the heaviest hit areas affected by the storm.  Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in New York and New Jersey can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. 

Today, the President authorized an emergency declaration for New Hampshire, Virginia and West Virginia.  Previously, the President authorized emergency declarations for Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to provide assistance for required emergency measures, directly to state, tribal and local governments, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety. 

Currently, more than 1,900 FEMA personnel are working to support disaster response and recovery operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support.  In addition, 28 teams comprised of 294 FEMA Corps members are onsite to support Sandy.  Nine federal urban search and rescue task forces have been staged along the East Coast and are deploying into affected areas as needed, and requested by impacted states.  An additional six federal urban search and rescue task forces have been placed on alert for potential activation if required. 14 Incident Management Assistance Teams and 12 liaison officers are positioned in affected states along the East Coast to support preparedness activities and ensure there are no unmet needs.  Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) personnel and teams have been deployed to support the states with secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations as well as with any potential requests for assistance. Also, ten FEMA disability integration advisors are also deployed to advise emergency management on alert and warning, evacuation, and sheltering needs. 

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, including Atlanta, Ga. and Frederick, Md., if needed and requested.  FEMA distribution centers have an overall inventory of more than 5 million liters of water, 3 million meals, 900,000 blankets and 100,000 cots.  FEMA and the Department of Defense established Incident Support Bases in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to pre-position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to potentially impacted areas, should they be needed and requested by states. As of this morning, FEMA has moved roughly 245,000 liters of water, more than 174,000 meals and thousands of blankets and cots to Westover Air Reserve Base; and more than 400,000 liters of water and more than 390,000 meals and thousands of cots to Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, and more commodities are en route, as weather conditions permit. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states who’ve been affected by this storm.  We encourage individuals to continue to follow the direction of local officials so that first responders can focus on life saving efforts,” said Fugate. “FEMA continues to provide the full support of the federal government for the life-saving and life-sustaining activities such as search and rescue, power restoration and debris removal that remains the top priorities of state, tribal and local governments.”

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta has directed that the Department of Defense (DoD) provide any available DoD disaster response resources requested by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state authorities as states throughout the Northeast begin to recover from Hurricane Sandy.  DoD continues to coordinate with FEMA, U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau on providing lifesaving and life sustaining assets to FEMA and governors, as requested. 

States, localities and the American Red Cross continue to operate emergency shelters along the East Coast.  To find a shelter, individuals can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. They should also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies. To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.

In addition, the following federal activities are also being coordinated:

U.S. Northern Command Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE), deployed in advance of the storm, and remain on the ground to validate, plan and coordinate potential Department of Defense (DoD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. 

The National Guard currently has more than 7,400 National Guard forces on duty supporting the governors of New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maryland.  These forces are providing assistance to local first responders and FEMA with critical tasks such and assistance at evacuation  shelters, route clearance, search and rescue and delivery of essential equipment and supplies.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) mobilized Temporary Emergency Power resources to provide support to areas affected by Sandy. These resources consist of teams with technical expertise to assess critical facility generator requirements and private sector contract support to install and operate generators. Other planning response teams remain on alert for debris management, infrastructure assessment, temporary roofing, water planning and un-watering. Additional Temporary Power Teams have also been placed on alert status.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FEMA activated ambulance contracts to support state requirements to evacuate patients as needed and requested. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has personnel deployed in support of state response efforts, including two 50-person Disaster Medical Assistance Teams providing triage and basic care in shelters in New Jersey. Additional medical teams are on alert. HHS also has personnel supporting 350 ambulances in New York that were activated through FEMA’s ambulance contracts.  An additional Disaster Medical Assistance Team remains pre-staged in the mid-Atlantic, prepared to deploy quickly along the East Coast if needed.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is working closely with FEMA, and in support of state and local officials who are responsible for working with utilities as they prepare for storms, deployed emergency response personnel to FEMA Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, and additional personnel are on standby to assist.  DOE is working with states and local partners as the electric industry engages in power restoration efforts.  Daily Situation Reports that detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector are available at www.doe.gov.    

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) remains in close communication with the East Coast state VOAD’s to coordinate on a regional, multi-state level. Currently 15 states have activated their VOAD networks for readiness actions; the National VOAD is sharing their activities and needs with all VOAD members and partners.

FEMA activated its National Business Emergency Operations Center. More than 330 representatives from retail, transportation, food and groceries, building management, and other industries receive daily briefings on key federal response efforts. These briefings assist in federal and private sector planning efforts, and provide a forum to discuss response efforts and challenges that may arise for maintaining business operations and provides the opportunity to collaborate on innovative solutions.

In preparation for the storm, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) placed inspectors in all nuclear power plants that could potentially experience impacts from the storm. Inspectors independently verify that plant operators are making the proper preparations and taking actions to ensure plant safety before, during and after the storm. Out of an abundance of caution, three reactors were shutdown during the storm while another plant, Oyster Creek in New Jersey, is being closely monitored due to high water levels in its water intake structure. The NRC will continue to coordinate with other federal and state agencies prior to the restart of the affected plants.

According to the NOAA Hydrometerological Prediction Center is now tracking the remnants of Sandy and providing regular forecast updates. NOAA National Weather Service weather forecast offices in the affected areas are working closely with local emergency management officials. NOAA navigation response crews are staged and ready to commence waterway surveys in the affected areas.

The U.S. Coast Guard has teams along the East Coast to conduct search and rescue missions, respond to and mitigate threats to public health and the environment, and continues to assess and advise status of ports along the East Coast.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is coordinating with FEMA and affected states to identify housing providers who may have available housing units, including public housing agencies and multi-family owners.  HUD is also speeding federal disaster assistance to New York and New Jersey to provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes in the most heavily impacted areas.  The President’s major disaster declarations for New York and New Jersey allow HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to some families in the designated counties. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture regional Food and Nutrition Service leadership is working with state commissioners and program administrators in the affected area to meet food needs for emergency shelters and feeding sites and to assist with Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requests.

The U.S. Postal Service is prepared for a quick response before, during and after a hurricane; and has procedures in place to expedite recovery efforts, including making sure there is timely delivery of mailed ballots. Voters in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy as well as other customers can obtain updates on postal facility operation changes due to the storm on the Mail Service Updates page on the Postal Service website. The safety of employees, the public and the U.S. Mail remains the top priority, and the USPS will continue to post Mail Service updates for residential customers on their front home page on usps.com, located in the bottom right corner. Access this information directly at http://about.usps.com/news/service-alerts/welcome.htm Also, USPS will continue to post updated information for business mailers on the following web site. Access this information at https://ribbs.usps.gov/.

Severe Weather, Preparedness and Winter Safety Actions

According to the National Weather Service, dangerous weather conditions continue to exist in many parts of the Mid-Atlantic.  Individuals should continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by their local and tribal officials.  State, Tribal and local officials make determinations and announcements about evacuations. We urge the public to listen to the instructions of officials.

States, localities and the Red Cross have emergency shelters open in many affected communities. The FEMA smartphone app provides safety tips and displays open shelter information at www.fema.gov/smartphone-app. To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Even as the storm begins to clear impacted areas, there will be many challenges to staying safe while making repairs and cleaning up debris after a storm.  Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. FEMA strongly urges the public to listen to and follow the instructions of local officials.

More information about what to do before, during and after a disaster can also be found visiting www.ready.gov and www.listo.gov. The FEMA mobile site (http://m.fema.gov), smartphone app (www.fema.gov/smartphone-app), and text messages (www.fema.gov/text-messages) also provide regular updates. Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed. Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/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.

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FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Support Areas Affected by the Aftermath of Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy Approaches, FEMA Urges Residents to Follow Directions of Local Officials

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the federal government’s assistance and preparations to support states affected by Hurricane Sandy. Today, the President joined an operations briefing at the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA Headquarters in Washington D.C. During the briefing the President received an update on preparedness activities underway from Administrator Craig Fugate and FEMA Regional Administrators, and an update on the storm from National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb. The President continues to direct Administrator Fugate to ensure that federal partners continue to bring all available resources to bear to support state and local responders in potentially affected areas along the East Coast as they prepare for severe weather. FEMA has already deployed teams and has pre-staged resources to potentially affected states and areas ahead of the storm and FEMA continues to urge residents in potentially affected areas to be prepared.

“As conditions worsen along the Mid-Atlantic and other parts of the East Coast, residents need to listen to the direction of local officials,” urged Fugate. “This is a large storm and the potential impacts from wind, coastal flooding, inland flooding, rain and snow will affect many states.  If you’re on the coast, it’s time to act and follow evacuation orders. If you’re inland, now is the time to make final preparations.  Be ready for power outages and stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, medications, and other supplies.”

Today, the President declared an emergency for the State of Maryland.  The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to provide assistance for required emergency measures to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in the City of Baltimore and all counties in the State of Maryland.

FEMA and its federal partners remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments and continue to coordinate resources to provide support as needed. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaison officers have deployed to potentially affected states along the East Coast to support preparedness activities and ensure there are no unmet needs.  Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) personnel and teams are in place or are en route to Delaware, the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania to support the states with secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, and with any potential requests for assistance.

According to the NOAA National Weather Service 2 p.m. advisory, hurricane force winds are expected along portions of the coast between Chincoteague, Va. And Chatham, Mass.  Tropical Storm force winds are expected north of Chatham to Merrimack River, Mass., the lower Chesapeake Bay and south of Chincoteague to Duck, North Carolina.  Hurricane Sandy is expected to produce significant precipitation over widespread areas causing inland flooding, coastal storm surge, snow, and possible power outages. 

Individuals in the region should continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for updates and directions provided by their local officials.  State and local officials make determinations and announcements about evacuations. We urge the public to listen to the instructions of officials, and if told to evacuate – evacuate.

The FEMA smartphone app provides safety tips and displays open shelter information at www.fema.gov/smartphone-app. To find an open Red Cross shelter, download the Red Cross Hurricane app or visit redcross.org.

To support potential pre- and post storm evacuations, in coordination with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through Emergency Support Function 8, FEMA has the capability to activate ambulance contracts to support state requirements to evacuate patients if needed and requested.

In anticipation of the potential impact from the storm, the American Red Cross mobilized hundreds of disaster workers, readying shelters and coordinating efforts with community partners in potentially affected states and the Department of Health and Human Services has two 50-person disaster medical assistance teams pre-staged in the mid-Atlantic, prepared to deploy quickly along the East Coast if needed.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed temporary emergency power teams along the East Coast.  Power teams consist of planning and response teams and resource support staff to assist with critical infrastructure. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) is working closely with FEMA, and in support of state and local officials who are responsible for working with utilities as they prepare for storms, deployed emergency response personnel to FEMA Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, and additional personnel are on standby to assist.  DOE is working with states and local partners as the electric industry begins the process of pre-mobilizing storm and field personnel to assist in power restoration efforts. 

U.S. Northern Command deployed Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE), in advance of the storm, to validate, plan and coordinate potential Department of Defense (DOD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations.  FEMA and DOD are establishing Incident Support Bases in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to potentially impacted areas, should they be needed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring the storm and will take steps to prepare and protect FAA facilities and equipment that are in the projected path of the storm, including control towers, radars and navigational aids. The FAA’s top operational priority is to quickly re-establish air traffic service to support disaster relief efforts. The FAA Air Traffic System Command Center will maintain constant communications with the airlines, the military, business aviation and airports in the storm’s path. They will advise the FAA about their flight schedules and plans to evacuate aircraft from affected areas and the FAA will share information about the status of the air traffic control system and availability of air routes.

Preparedness Actions

Take Action. Time is limited to prepare your family, home or business to lessen the impact of severe weather.  Coastal and inland residents should ensure that their families have an emergency plan and emergency kits in their homes and cars.  Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit. 

Those in areas where the storm is expected to produce snow should also have supplies in their emergency kits such as rock salt or environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways, snow shovels, adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm and heating fuel like dry, seasoned wood for the fireplace or wood-burning stove. Both hurricanes and winter storms often cause power outages, take steps now to ensure you can sustain yourself for at least 72 hours if needed.  

More information about what to do before, during and after a disaster can also be found visiting www.ready.gov and www.listo.gov. The FEMA mobile site (http://m.fema.gov), smartphone app (www.fema.gov/smartphone-app), and text messages (www.fema.gov/text-messages) also provide regular updates. Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed. Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/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.

 

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As Hurricane Sandy Approaches, FEMA Urges Residents to Follow Directions of Local Officials

FEMA Urges Residents to Follow the Directions of Local Officials and Take Steps to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and our federal partners, through our regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, continue to closely monitor Hurricane Sandy. FEMA is prepared and ready to support state, local and tribal partners in responding to potential impacts of Hurricane Sandy. FEMA Regional Administrators and other senior officials in FEMA’s regional offices have been in close contact with their state counterparts in potentially affected states along the East Coast to ensure coordination for any emergency response.

Earlier today, President Obama was briefed by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan on Hurricane Sandy and ongoing federal actions to prepare for the storm as it continues to move toward the United States mainland. The President directed Administrator Fugate to ensure that all available federal resources are being brought to bear to support state and local responders in potentially affected areas along the eastern seaboard as they prepare for the severe weather.

In advance of the storm, and in coordination with the states, FEMA is proactively deploying Incident Management Assistance Teams to Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont to assist states and local partners as they prepare for potential impacts. Liaison officers are also being deployed to emergency operation centers in Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to help coordinate if additional support is needed.

“Tropical storms can bring high winds, heavy rains and dangerous surf. Those along the eastern seaboard should prepare now, monitor local forecasts and follow the instructions of local officials,” urged FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “This is a big storm with potential impacts beyond coastal areas – know your risks, have a plan, and be prepared. Now is the time to update your family communication plans, check your supplies, and stay informed.”

According to the NOAA National Weather Service 2 p.m. advisory, tropical storm watches and warnings remain in effect in many parts of the East Coast from Florida to North Carolina.  Additional watches and warnings are anticipated in the coming days.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, including Atlanta, Ga. and Frederick, Md., if needed and requested.

U.S. Northern Command is deploying Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE), in advance of the storm, to validate, plan and coordinate potential Department of Defense (DOD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) is working closely with FEMA and in support of state and local officials is planning to deploy emergency response personnel to FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center in Boston, New York and Philadelphia over the weekend as well as putting additional personnel on standby to assist.  DOE is taking steps to support state and local authorities, who are responsible for coordinating with local utility companies, as utilities begin the process of pre-mobilizing storm and field personnel to assist in power restoration efforts. The Department will provide up to twice daily Hurricane Sandy Situation Reports as appropriate once the storm hits. These reports will be available to the public and will detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector. The situation reports will be located at: http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/emergency_sit_rpt.aspx

FEMA urges those along the East Coast to monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy.  Individuals in the region should continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and their local news for severe weather updates, warnings and watches, and follow instructions of local officials. While the exact track of the storm is uncertain, according to the National Weather Service, storm conditions associated with Hurricane Sandy may impact East Coast states throughout the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast as early as tomorrow in some areas.

Everyone should familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. The potential for heavy rains can also lead to flooding, or flash flooding in some areas.  Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Remember – turn around, don’t drown. 

More information about what to do before, during and after a disaster can also be found visiting ready.gov and listo.gov. The FEMA mobile site (http://m.fema.gov), smartphone app (http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app), and text messages (http://www.fema.gov/text-messages) also provide regular updates. Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed. Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/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.

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FEMA Urges Residents to Follow the Directions of Local Officials and Take Steps to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          
September 27, 2012                           

Media Contacts: Mary Simms (510) 301-7914, mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov; Matt Ocana, 801-540-7207, matt.ocana@noaa.gov; Daniel Langkilde, (684) 699-3801, dlangkilde2009@gmail.com

FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa
NOAA will certify Territory as TsunamiReady this week

Honolulu, Hawaii — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded nearly $100 Million dollars in Post-Tsunami improvements to American Samoa for lifesaving emergency management systems that include an early warning siren system, 9-1-1 emergency call center and the completion of a formal tsunami hazard plan that proved instrumental in helping the island achieve the coveted status of TsunamiReady.   

To be recognized as TsunamiReady, a community must establish a 24 hour warning point and emergency operations center, develop multiple ways to receive tsunami warnings and alert the public, develop a formal tsunami hazard plan, conduct emergency exercises and promote public readiness through community education.  Given that American Samoa is located 120 miles away from the Tonga Trench, one of the fastest moving subduction zones in the world, tsunmi readiness is paramount to the island’s safety posture. 

After meeting all federal requirements, this week the islands of Tutuila, Aunuu, Ofu, Olosega and Tau and all of the National Park of American Samoa have attained the federal NOAA/NWS designation of TsunamiReady and will be officially designated as TsunamiReady in a ceremony with senior American Samoan Government, NOAA and FEMA officials.

“This subduction zone will continue to produce earthquakes and potentially damaging tsunamis,” said Regional Administrator Nancy Ward. “American Samoa Government officials have truly made preparedness one of their most important priorities.  Their training and outreach programs have achieved remarkable results that will help save future lives.”

On September 29, 2009 the South Pacific Tsunami was generated by a series of earthquakes that took place at possibly the closest point of this trench to American Samoa, causing fatalities and regional devastation.  Resources have been invested by federal, territorial, voluntary and private sectors partners since the killer wave came ashore in 2009 that have helped the territory to achieve a heightened level of preparedness. 

The whole community of American Samoa has come together during the past three years to make the citizens of the islands safer and better prepared to meet a wide variety of threats. 

“This is a perfect example of the resilience of the Pacific Islanders and the value of government coordination and cooperation.  Everyone met this disaster head on and never stopped moving forward.  This recognition is something that the people of American Samoa and their many partners can be very proud of,” said Jeff LaDouce, Director of NOAA’s National Weather Service Pacific Region.

Post-Tsunami FEMA funded projects include:  the purchase of a generator and two ambulances for LBJ hospital and establishing an Emergency 9-1-1 Call Center.  In addition, funds were used to purchase and install an early warning siren system complete with 48 sirens throughout American Samoa.   Funds were also used to improve airport security and to purchase equipment for American Samoa Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Operation Center.  Communications equipment and Official vehicles for the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security were also acquired.  The Land-Mobile-Radio project contract has been awarded and is the next phase to be implemented to improve communication capability on the island. 

FEMA’s aggregated financial assistance to long term recovery have included:

•           Awarding more than $37 million in FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs.  This includes assistance under various FEMA programs, including Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance that provided support for dental, medical, moving, storage and a variety of other needs

•           The award of more than $54 million to the ASG to rebuild public infrastructure, mitigate against future disasters and reimburse the American Samoa government for some of the money spent during the initial response.

•           In consultation with the American Samoan Government, FEMA has rebuilt and turned over 39 permanent replacement homes to deserving American Samoan families who lost their homes as a result of the devastating tsunami. 

•           The award of more than $8 Million in Homeland Security Grant Program funds and Public Safety Interoperable Communications funding used for planning and to help American Samoa to be more prepared for natural disasters, train first responders and citizens of American Samoa and provide much needed communication equipment. 

The TsunamiReady program is administered by the National Weather Service as a way to increase and strengthen the ability of communities to prepare for, mitigate, and recover from natural hazards.  The TsunamiReady ceremony for the Territory of American Samoa and the National Park of American Samoa, will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Maota Samoa at Utulei Beach on Friday, September 28, 2012, one day before the 3rd anniversary of the devastating 2009 South Pacific Tsunami.   

An American Samoa Tsunami Study was conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District in cooperation with the American Samoa Government to help strengthen American Samoa’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from tsunami hazards.  To view the study visit:  http://astsunamiresilience.org/reports/

To learn more about this disaster, please visit:  https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1859

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:  To request photos from the event and/or schedule an interview, please email your request to External Affairs Officer Mary Simms at mary.simms@fema.dhs.gov.  Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information in your request.

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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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FEMA Invests $100 Million in Post-Tsunami Disaster Relief, Emergency Preparedness Improvements for American Samoa

FEMA Authorizes Funding to Help Fight Large Fire in Northwestern Nebraska

KANSAS CITY, MO – Firefighters battling a large fire in northwestern Nebraska may get help paying certain firefighting costs from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA Region VII Deputy Administrator Arthur Freeman approved a request from the State of Nebraska shortly before 2 p.m. CDT Thursday for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Region 23 Complex Fire, which has burned more than 68,000 acres in two days in Sioux, Dawes, Sheridan counties in northwestern Nebraska.  The fire has been burning both grassland and forest areas, including some of the Nebraska National Forest.

The grant authority provides funding on a cost-share basis for certain costs incurred by firefighting entities bringing in resources to help keep the fire’s impacts from causing a major disaster.  FEMA does not provide actual firefighting equipment or personnel.

The State of Nebraska requested the grant assistance about 12:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday.  At that time, the fire was threatening 102 homes in and around Chadron, Nebraska, population 5,860. The fire also was threatening ranch complexes; businesses; infrastructure, including two state radio communication towers; utilities, livestock and equipment in the area.  Chadron State Park and the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center were being evacuated as a precaution.  

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag warnings for the area, which has been impacted by extreme drought, causing lower water tables and well levels. The fire started on August 28 from a dry lightning strike and is burning on federal, state and private land.  Local volunteer fire departments, the Nebraska National Guard and federal firefighting resources are battling the blaze.

The U.S. Forest Service deployed a Type II Incident Management (IMT) team to Nebraska to assist with fire suppression/containment activities. The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska State Forest Service, Nebraska Park Service, Nebraska Department of Roads, Nebraska State Patrol, sheriff’s offices from Dawes and Sioux counties, and local municipalities are assisting in the fire suppression activities/efforts.

As of 7 p.m. MDT Thursday, fire officials reported that the fire was 10 percent contained.  Weather conditions Thursday were in the high 80s to low 90s with a relative humidity of 17 percent.  Similar weather is expected to continue Friday with higher wind gusts and potentially lower humidity.

The FEMA funding, provided through the federal Disaster Relief Fund once a baseline threshold is met, pays 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.  These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners, or cover costs associated with infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Eligible costs for reimbursement can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

FEMA region VII covers the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

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Visit FEMA Region VII online at www.fema.gov/region7. Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femaregion7, 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.

 

Continue reading – 

FEMA Authorizes Funding to Help Fight Large Fire in Northwestern Nebraska

FEMA Urges Gulf Coast Residents to Follow Directions of Local Officials as Hurricane Isaac Approaches

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the federal government’s support and preparations in states potentially affected by Hurricane Isaac.   Earlier today, the President was briefed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb on the ongoing preparations for the storm, and the expected track

In advance of the storm, FEMA has placed four Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaisons on site at emergency operations centers in Gulf states and has moved two Mobile Emergency Response Support teams and additional commodities to pre-positioned locations closer to the potential impact areas.  Texas Task Force-1, a federal urban search and rescue team has been deployed to Louisiana.  Other support teams have been identified and are ready to deploy as needed and requested. 

Earlier this afternoon, President Obama signed an emergency declaration for the State of Mississippi in advance of the onset of the storm, making aid available for federal support to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in designated counties.  Yesterday, President Obama also signed an emergency declaration for the State of Louisiana for designated parishes.   The federal partners continue to support the needs of the local and state officials in Louisiana to ensure access to buses, paratransit for people with access and functional needs and ambulances.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, to support states if needed and requested.  FEMA has distribution centers in Atlanta, Ga. and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, has prepositioned supplies in Shelby, Miss., Meridian, Miss. and Pineville, La. closer to potentially affected areas.  

FEMA and its federal partners, through the FEMA National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and its FEMA Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, will continue to monitor Hurricane Isaac and remain in close coordination with state, tribal and local officials in potentially affected areas to provide any support requested.

“As storm conditions begin to impact parts of the Gulf states, it is vitally important that residents and individuals along the Gulf Coast, and areas inland follow the direction of state, tribal and local governments. This is a large, slow-moving storm so residents inland need to be just as vigilant about their safety as those along the coast,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “FEMA and its federal partners remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments across the Southeast, and has teams on the ground in each of the potentially affected states to provide support as needed, and additional teams are on alert to deploy, if requested.”

Below is a timeline of some of the key activities and events that have occurred since Tropical Storm Isaac first threatened Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on its path to the Gulf of Mexico:

 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

  • President Obama signed an emergency declaration for the State of Mississippi, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac, making federal support available to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, in designated coastal counties, for an incident period beginning August 26 and continuing.
  • The President was briefed by DHS Secretary Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Knabb on preparations for the storm, and the expected track.
  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a video-teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • This afternoon, the President’s emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana, in advance of Isaac’s landfall, was amended to add the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Mary, and West Baton Rouge.
  • FEMA, in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, established Incident Support Bases at Camp Beauregard in Pineville Louisiana and in Shelby, Mississippi and in Meridian, Mississippi to proactively stage commodities closer to areas potentially affected by severe weather, allowing the federal government to quickly move supplies throughout nearby affected states, should they be needed and requested. 
  • A FEMA Disability Integration Specialist is on the ground in Baton Rouge, LA to continue to reach out to disability groups in the area to support information sharing and ensure our response efforts fully includes individuals with access and functional needs.
  • U.S. Health and Human Services Administration (HHS) has deployed a small command-and-control team and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams in support of potential post storm health care needs, as well as personnel to support the activation of the FEMA ambulance contract to evacuate patients in Louisiana if needed.
  • The Corporation for National and Community Service has deployed more than 100 AmeriCorps members to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, with additional deployments expected in the coming days.  Serving through the American Red Cross and other organizations, AmeriCorps members are supporting sheltering operations in Hattiesburg, Miss.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Baton Rouge, Madisonville, and Tangipahoa parishes in Louisiana.  In New Orleans, AmeriCorps members are assisting the city in providing evacuation and preparedness information to the public. In Jackson MS, AmeriCorps members are assisting the United Way in providing preparedness information to the public.  In Hancock County, Miss., volunteers worked to assist disabled seniors secure their homes and properties in preparation of the storm’s landfall.
  • Amtrak reported that service to and from New Orleans is suspended until Wednesday, August 29, due to the forecasted hurricane landfall of Tropical Storm Isaac. No alternate transportation is available to and from New Orleans and the three cities where Amtrak service will temporarily originate and terminate.
  • The American Red Cross has opened many shelters along the Gulf Coast states.  To find an open shelter, please visit http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.
  • The Department of Energy has deployed staff to the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, DC, the FEMA IV Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Atlanta, GA,the FEMA VI RRCC in Denton, TX, and the Florida Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

 

Monday, August 27, 2012

  • President Obama signed an emergency declaration for the State of Louisiana, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac, making federal support available to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, in designated coastal parishes,  for an incident period beginning August 26 and continuing. The emergency declaration for direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures covers the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, and Washington.
  • The President was briefed by FEMA Administrator Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb on preparations for the storm, and the expected track. Following the briefing, the President convened a call with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The President made clear that he has directed Administrator Fugate to make sure the Governors have the resources they need as the storm approaches, and asked each Governor to identify additional needs if they arise.
  • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and other federal officials have had calls with governors and tribal and local leaders to discuss their preparations for the storm and to ensure they had no unmet needs.  
  • The FEMA activated the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., a multi-agency coordination center that provides overall coordination of the federal response to natural disasters and emergencies, to support state requests for assistance from Gulf Coast and Southern states.  FEMA Region IV and Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Atlanta, Georgia and Denton, Texas remained activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested by the potentially affected states. 
  • According to the 5:00 p.m. NOAA National Weather Service advisory, a Hurricane Warning is in effect for east of Morgan City, Louisiana to the Alabama-Florida border, including metropolitan New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from the Alabama-Florida border to the Aucilla River; and for the Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the east of Sabine Pass to west of Intracoastal City, Louisiana.
  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a video-teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • FEMA has Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) and liaisons on site at the state emergency operations centers in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.  Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) teams are also on the ground in Florida and Alabama to support the states with secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, and with any potential requests for assistance. 
  • FEMA’s Incident Support Bases (ISBs) in Jacksonville, Florida, and Montgomery Alabama, continue to proactively stage commodities closer to areas potentially affected by severe weather, allowing the federal government to quickly move supplies throughout nearby affected states, should they be needed and requested. 
  • “Hurricane Hunters” from the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron continue to do aerial reconnaissance on the storm and relay critical data to National Weather Service forecasters in Miami.  Sophisticated onboard instruments and small canisters are dropped by parachute to the ocean’s surface collect accurate measurements of the storm’s location and intensity and feed the data continuously to the National Hurricane Center via an onboard satellite link. In addition, the aircraft sends automated messages every 10 minutes, relaying barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and other measurements.  The Hurricane Hunter aircraft are doing more than three missions a day, now that the storm is approaching 300 miles from the U.S. Coast. 
  • The U.S. Coast Guard advised Gulf Coast residents to move their vessels to protected areas where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or to be otherwise damaged. Boats that can be placed on a trailer should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those mariners who leave their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets, emergency position indicating radio beacons, and fenders. Also, if residents have hazardous materials on or near the water, residents are responsible for any spills that may occur. U.S. Coast Guard urges residents to take the necessary precautions to secure these materials prior to any foul weather.
  • U.S. Northern Command has activated portions of their Region VI Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO), and Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to validate, plan and coordinate potential Department of Defense (DOD) support of FEMA’s hurricane response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. 
  • FEMA’s Private Sector Representative in the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, D.C. continues to engage National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) members; keeping them informed of federal efforts in support of Tropical Storm Isaac.
  • FEMA Region IV held a private sector conference call to discuss current activities at the Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC), and relayed updates from Gulf Coast state partners. 
  • The Energy Department’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) is the designated Federal Sector-Specific agency directing Emergency Support Function 12 (ESF-12) activities for the Energy Sector under the National Response Framework. In the event of an emergency, OE maintains teams of responders that specialize in energy infrastructure. These responders can be quickly activated and deployed to the location of an event. During an event, OE staff coordinates with deployed personnel, other Department offices, and Federal and State and local agencies in responding to the emergency.  OE situation reports are  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 – Energy, issued a DOE situation report.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deployed public health and medical liaison officers to FEMA RRCCs and state Emergency Operations Centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Also, HHS agencies, including the Administration for Community Living, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, are coordinating with state and local counterparts in preparation for the storm.
  • The HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has activated the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, for residents of the Gulf states. The Helpline is a 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week resource that responds to people seeking crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard sets port condition X-Ray to the Port of Morgan City, Louisiana in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaac.   Ships should complete cargo operations.  Bunkering and lightering are prohibited in the inshore anchorages. Mariners and operators should anticipate the Captain of the Port will order the port closed to all vessel movement, in advance of the storm, except for emergency and rescue traffic.  The U.S. Coast Guard also set port condition Yankee for the Port of Fourchon, Louisiana to all inbound commercial vessel traffic due to the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac.  The U.S. Coast Guard urged owners of larger boats to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Smaller boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets and small boats.
  • The Port of New Orleans ceased cargo operations in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaac. More information on port conditions is available at www.portno.com.
  • U.S. Department of Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has activated its Hurricane Response Team and is coordinating reports from offshore oil and gas operators concerning evacuations of personnel from drilling rigs and production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. The operators also report the amount of daily oil and natural gas production that has been shut-in.  The activity statistics are compiled and reported each day through a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Activity Statistics Update.
  • U.S. National Guard has activated state personnel and called up on state active duty orders more than 5600 officers in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
  • U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has determined that the imminent threat of winds, storm surge and other related weather events predicted to occur in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as a result of the projected landfall or close coastal travel of Tropical Storm Isaac will constitute an “emergency event” as related to railroad operations.  FRA has activated the Emergency Relief Docket and the emergency relief provisions to allow railroads to petition for waivers for certain regulatory requirements.  This tool will enable railroads to respond quickly to operational concerns during and in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac, which may develop into a hurricane.   

 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

  • President Barack Obama was briefed by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb on the projected track and timing of the storm as well as steps being taken by the Administration to support potentially impacted states.  
  • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano spoke with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu to discuss the city’s preparations for the storm.
  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a conference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • The FEMA National Watch Center in Washington, DC remained elevated to its 24/7 enhanced watch to proactively support any potential needs or requests for coastal states.  FEMA Region IV and Region VI Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) located in Atlanta, Georgia and Denton, Texas remained activated to coordinate any requests for federal assistance, if requested by the potentially affected states. 
  • FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and liaison officers are deployed to the Alabama and Mississippi emergency operations centers to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response. 
  • FEMA, in coordination with U.S. Northern Command established an Incident Support Base (ISB) in Montgomery, Alabama to proactively stage commodities closer to areas potentially affected by severe weather, allowing the federal government to quickly move supplies throughout nearby affected states, should they be needed and requested. 
  • FEMA Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) arrived at the Florida Division for Emergency Management Operations Center.  MERS is a flexible response asset that provides self-sufficient, mobile communications, logistics, and operations capabilities required for the on-scene. 
  • Three FEMA Mobile Communications Office Vehicles (MCOVs) arrived at the Incident Support Base (ISB) in Jacksonville, Florida.  MCOVs are multi-purpose central office facilities that are activated to support FEMA and on-scene emergency management personnel.
  • FEMA Incident Management Team (IMAT) and a pre-designated Federal Coordinating Officer is present at the Louisiana State Emergency Management Agency Emergency Operations Center in Baton Rouge to coordinate with state and local officials and to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
  • The NOAA National Weather Service issued several severe weather watches and warnings for coastal areas due to Tropical Storm Isaac.  According to the 11:00 a.m. National Weather Service advisory, a Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas, the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach southward to Ocean Reef and the Florida Bay.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for east of Morgan City, Louisiana to Indian Pass Florida including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida east coast from Sebastian Inlet southward to Ocean Reef; the Florida west coast and the Florida Panhandle from north of Bonita Beach, FL to Indian Pass, FL including Tampa Bay; and Lake Okeechobee. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida east coast north of Sebastian Inlet to Flagler Beach.  As of 11 am, tropical storm conditions are occurring in the Tropical Storm Warning area along the Florida East Coast; tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward along the west coast of Florida and into the eastern Florida Panhandle tonight and Monday.  Hurricane conditions are possible in the Hurricane Watch area along the North Coast on Tuesday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Monday night.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard sets port condition Zulu to the Port of Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaac.  The ports will remain closed to all incoming and outgoing vessel traffic until directed by the Captain of the Port.  The U.S. Coast Guard also sets port condition Yankee for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee to all inbound commercial vessel traffic due to the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac.  The U.S. Coast Guard urges owners of larger boats to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Smaller boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets and small boats
  • The American Red Cross has opened more than a dozens of shelters in Florida, and moving hundreds of trained disaster workers into the state. To find an open shelter, please visit http://www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter

 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a conference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • FEMA Region IV Incident Management Assistance Team arrives to the Florida Emergency Operations Center to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.  The FEMA Region IV Response Coordination Center (RRCC) located in Atlanta, Georgia continued to be activated to Level III and a FEMA liaison remains in the Florida State Emergency Operation Center to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
  • FEMA Region VI Response Coordination Center (RRCC) was activated to a Level III (partial activation) to monitor the storm and proactively support any potential needs or requests from Louisiana or Texas and deployed the Regional Incident Management Assistance Team to the State of Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
  • The NOAA National Weather Service issued several severe weather watches and warnings for coastal areas in Florida.  A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys (including the Dry Tortugas), the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach southward to Ocean Reef, and for Florida Bay.  A Hurricane Watch also is in effect for the Florida east coast from Golden Beach southward to Ocean Reef.   A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida east coast from Sebastian Inlet southward to Ocean Reef, and for Lake Okeechobee. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida east coast north of Sebastian Inlet to Flagler Beach, and for the Florida West Coast north of Bonita Beach to Tarpon Springs.
  • U.S. National Park Service announced the closure of Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida beginning at 12:00 noon Eastern.  These closures are conducted in the interest of public safety, and to ensure park staff concentrates completely on securing and protecting park resources and facilities.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture advised coastal residents in states who have livestock and pets that might be affected by Tropical Storm Isaac.  USDA offered tips to help residents protect the health of these animals in the event of power outages, flooding and other issues that can be associated with strong storms.  

 

 

Friday, August 24, 2012

  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives’ to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • The FEMA Region IV Response Coordination Center located in Atlanta, Georgia is activated to Level III and maintains a FEMA liaison deployed to the Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls impacting disaster response.
  • FEMA, in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, established an Incident Support Base (ISB) in Jacksonville, Florida to proactively stage commodities closer to areas potentially affected by severe weather, allowing the federal government to quickly move supplies throughout nearby affected states, should they be needed and requested.  U.S. Northern Command also deployed the Region IV Defense Coordinating Officer and support staff elements to Florida in support of preparations. 
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends coastal residents include food safety as part of your preparedness plan.  Power outages and flooding that often result from weather emergencies compromise the safety of stored food, and planning ahead can minimize the risk of food borne illness. USDA food safety tips include having a cooler on hand to keep refrigerator food cold in case of power outage, and to group food together in the freezer; this helps the food stay cold longer.  Additional food safety preparedness tips can be found at USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service’s website www.fsis.usda.gov .
  • The NOAA National Weather Service issued tropical storm watches for the Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas, the Florida East Coast south of Jupiter Inlet, the Florida West Coast south of Bonita Beach, Florida Bay and Lake Okeechobee. 
  • FEMA, NOAA and the American Red Cross hosted a conference call with staff members of the Congressional delegation from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, to provide updates on the storm forecast, federal preparations underway and sheltering and response efforts being undertaken by the American Red Cross and volunteers.
  • The American Red Cross is preparing to open dozens of shelters across Florida, and moving hundreds of trained disaster workers into the state. There are 22 Red Cross emergency response vehicles already in Florida and 28 more are moving into the state in advance of the storm with an additional 78 on stand-by if needed. The Red Cross is mobilizing five truckloads of disaster supplies to send to Florida and Red Cross disaster warehouses in Georgia and Mississippi are ready to ship emergency supplies if necessary.
  • U.S. National Park Service announced the Biscayne National Park closes in Preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac.  The temporary shutdown is conducted in accordance with its Hurricane Plan and in the interest of public safety, and to ensure park staff concentrates completely on securing and protecting park resources and facilities.
  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac urged federal firearms licensees and federal explosives licensees and permittees to be prepared and protect their merchandise and facilities.

 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  The conference had the participation of emergency management leadership from potentially affected states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
  • The FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) conducted a conference call with nearly 100 private sector members.  The NBEOC is intended to provide the private sector with enhanced information-sharing capabilities during disaster response and recovery.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port set hurricane condition Whiskey for the Port of Key West, Fla.   A heightened condition in which hurricane force winds are possible within 72 hours. All commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons and all tank barges greater than 200 gross tons desiring to remain in port must arrange safe mooring. They shall also complete an application and submit it in writing within 24 hours to the Coast Guard Captain of the Port to remain in port. Commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons and tank barges greater than 200 gross tons departing the port must depart no later than 24 hours prior to the arrival of gale force winds.
  • The FEMA National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. continued an elevated to a 24/7 enhanced watch to proactively support any potential needs or requests from Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Florida. 

 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

  • FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate held a video teleconference call to discuss the latest developments with the National Weather Service, partner agencies and regional representatives to assess their needs and readiness.  Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and Florida Division of Emergency Management participated on the call.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator to the Puerto Rico. HHS was monitoring the storm and was prepared to deploy federal public health and medical resources if requested by the commonwealth or by the state of Florida.
  • FEMA, through its Regional Office in Atlanta, Ga. and Caribbean Area Division, had been monitoring Tropical Storm Isaac in the eastern Caribbean Sea, and had been in close coordination with Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency (PREMA), Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and the Florida Emergency Management Agency. 
  • FEMA Region IV Liaison deployed to the Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate with state and local officials to identify needs and shortfalls potentially impacting disaster response.
  • FEMA Region II RRCC remained activated with the presence of Emergency Support Functions from Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency Logistics and Resources, U.S. Health and Human Services, Mass Care and U.S. Department of Energy.
  • The FEMA National Watch Center in Washington, D.C. was elevated to a 24/7 enhanced watch to proactively support any potential needs or requests from Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
  • FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division activated Emergency Support Functions to critical help identify potential needs and gaps in the areas of transportation, public works and engineering, mass care, logistics and resources, public health and medical services and energy. 
  • FEMA continued to maintain ongoing contact with Congressional delegations that could have constituents who reside within potentially-impacted storm zone impact areas of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac’s projected path.

 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

  • FEMA, through its Caribbean Area Division, is monitoring Tropical Depression #9/Tropical Storm Isaac in the central Atlantic Ocean as it moves towards the eastern Caribbean Sea, and has been in close coordination with Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency (PREMA) and Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).
  • The Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) that supports Caribbean activities remained activated, to proactively support any potential needs or requests from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
  • In advance of the storm, FEMA proactively deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to coordinate with commonwealth/territory and local officials, should additional support be requested, or needed.  Additionally, FEMA had liaisons in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands emergency operations centers, to further strengthen coordination. These assets supplement federal resources and personnel that are staged, year-round, at FEMA’s Caribbean Area Office and Caribbean Area Distribution Center located in Puerto Rico. 
  • American Red Cross liaisons coordinated with Region II Regional Response Coordination Center, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency and Virgin Island Territorial Emergency Management Agency RCC, PREMA, and VITEMA. Call downs of its volunteers and the preparation of shelter teams for the USVI were conducted. Region II is coordinating with government and non-profit partners to support shelter operations, including feeding and logistics.
  • NOAA National Weather Service issued a public advisory to indicate that a Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

 

Monday, August 20, 2012

  • FEMA Region II’s Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) activated to a Level III (Partial Activation) to support Caribbean activities, to proactively support any potential needs or requests from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Emergency Support Functions in the areas of Transportation, Public Works and Engineering, Mass Care, Logistics and Resources, Public Health and Medical Services and Energy are represented in support of Tropical Storm Isaac.

 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

  • FEMA Region II activated and started deploying a contingent of the Region II Incident Management Assistance Team to Puerto Rico in anticipation of events related to Tropical Depression 9/Tropical Storm Isaac.  IMAT members help with coordination, should emergency response assistance be needed.
  • U.S. Northern Command deployed Region II Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO), Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) and service Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers (EPLO’s), compromised of specially trained experts to assist in disaster response, to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to assist FEMA in assessing if DOD’s unique capabilities will be required.

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.

 

 

View the original here: 

FEMA Urges Gulf Coast Residents to Follow Directions of Local Officials as Hurricane Isaac Approaches

FEMA Urges Residents in the Florida Keys and Coastal Areas to Take Steps to Prepare

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Monitor Tropical Storm Isaac

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, through the FEMA Regional Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and remain in close coordination with local officials and emergency management partners in Florida, and other southeastern and Gulf Coast states.  According to NOAA’s National Weather Service at 11:00 a.m., Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane tomorrow as the storm approaches the Florida Keys and parts of Florida. 

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys (including the Dry Tortugas), the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach southward to Ocean Reef, and for Florida Bay.  A Hurricane Watch also is in effect for the Florida east coast from Golden Beach southward to Ocean Reef.   A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida east coast from Sebastian Inlet southward to Ocean Reef, and for Lake Okeechobee. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida east coast north of Sebastian Inlet to Flagler Beach, and for the Florida West Coast north of Bonita Beach to Tarpon Springs.

“As Tropical Storm Isaac moves closer to Florida, local residents need to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “FEMA and its federal partners remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments across the Southeast as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move out of the Caribbean. Residents in this area should make sure to listen to local officials for updates and information. Check your family plans and emergency supplies, review your evacuation routes and remember that evacuation orders come from local officials. Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for more information. FEMA stands ready to support states and tribal governments, if necessary.”

Today, FEMA deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team to the Louisiana emergency operations center, and on Thursday, the Agency deployed a liaison to the Florida emergency operations center to assist the state with coordination and any potential requests for assistance. Other teams have been identified and will be mobilized as needed and requested.  FEMA has distribution centers in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, and in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, has prepositioned supplies closer to potentially affected areas if needed.  At all times, FEMA maintains commodities including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, to support states if needed and requested. 

While tropical storms are unpredictable, FEMA encourages those in the possible path of the storm to prepare now. This includes putting together a family emergency plan and emergency kit.  Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit.  Having a kit can help area residents better weather the storm. Additional preparedness information can be found at Ready.gov and Listo.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends coastal residents include food safety as part of their preparedness plans.  Power outages and flooding that often result from weather emergencies compromise the safety of stored food, and planning ahead can minimize the risk of food borne illness. USDA food safety tips include having a cooler on hand to keep refrigerator food cold in case of power outage, and to group food together in the freezer; this helps the food stay cold longer. Additional food safety preparedness tips can be found at USDA Food Safety Inspection Service’s website www.fsis.usda.gov.

FEMA encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard.  A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.  A Hurricane Watch, in this case, means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 24-36 hours.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.  A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. 

As is always the case, local officials make decisions on issuing evacuation orders, so FEMA advises residents to remember to listen to the direction of their local officials, and to learn where evacuation routes and sheltering locations are located, in case evacuation orders are given.

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.

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.

Original source – 

FEMA Urges Residents in the Florida Keys and Coastal Areas to Take Steps to Prepare

FEMA Urges Residents in Coastal Areas to Take Steps to Prepare

FEMA and Federal Partners Continue to Monitor Tropical Storm Isaac                                                              

WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners, through the FEMA Regional Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and remain in close coordination with local officials and emergency management partners in southeastern and Gulf Coast states.  Yesterday, the storm passed to the south of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, however, a flash flood watch remains in effect for parts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FEMA urges residents in affected areas to continue to monitor conditions and follow the direction of local officials. Be aware that water can rise rapidly and flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.

While the exact track of the storm is uncertain, NOAA’s National Weather Service forecasts tropical conditions associated with Isaac, including high winds, heavy rain and rough surf, could begin to affect parts of coastal Florida starting as early as this evening into early next week. Residents in potentially impacted areas, including the Florida Keys and the southern Florida peninsula, should monitor the progress of Isaac and be sure to follow direction of local officials.  

FEMA has activated an enhanced National Watch in Washington, D.C., and, today, is activating its Regional Response Coordination Center that supports southeastern states, to proactively support any potential needs or requests from coastal states.  In anticipation of the storm, FEMA has deployed a liaison to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and is preparing to deploy liaisons to Alabama and Mississippi as necessary.  Other teams have been identified and will be mobilized as needed and requested.

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, to support states if needed and requested.  FEMA has distribution centers in Atlanta, Ga. and Denton, Texas, and in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, has prepositioned supplies closer to potentially affected areas if needed. 

“Residents in coastal areas of southeastern states, including the Florida Keys, should be paying close attention to this storm and listening to their local officials for key updates and information,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.  “FEMA will continue to coordinate closely with our partners at the federal level, in southern coastal states and on tribal lands, throughout the weekend, as the storm continues to approach coastal areas.  Coastal residents are encouraged to take this weekend to discuss your family plans, know your evacuation routes and check your emergency supplies.  Visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for more information.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends coastal residents include food safety as part of your preparedness plan.  Power outages and flooding that often result from weather emergencies compromise the safety of stored food, and planning ahead can minimize the risk of foodborne illness. USDA food safety tips include having a cooler on hand to keep refrigerator food cold in case of power outage, and to group food together in the freezer; this helps the food stay cold longer.

FEMA urges residents in southeastern states to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news, monitor for severe weather updates and warnings, and follow instructions of local officials.  State and local officials make determinations and announcement about evacuations, and if local officials give the order to evacuate, leave immediately.  Everyone should familiarize themselves with the terms that are used to identify a severe weather hazard. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

History shows that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly, so FEMA encourages coastal residents to monitor weather conditions, follow the direction of local officials, and visit Ready.gov to learn about a few simple steps they can take now to be prepared.

As is always the case, local officials make decisions on issuing evacuation orders, so FEMA advises residents to remember to listen to the direction of their local officials, and to learn where evacuation routes and sheltering locations are located, in case evacuation orders are given.

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.

Continue reading here – 

FEMA Urges Residents in Coastal Areas to Take Steps to Prepare

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