FEMA Responds To Support Communities Struck By Tornadoes
Release Date: February 6, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-013
The Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating with state and local officials in response to severe thunderstorms that have spawned dozens of tornadoes in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee and are currently moving into Kentucky.
FEMA is working closely with its state and local partners to assess damage and identify needs in the affected states. Specialists from the agency are on site to support the response efforts already underway. Specifically, the regional efforts underway include:
FEMA Region IV
- The Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) Watch Unit in Thomasville, Ga. is monitoring the situation and will remain on duty until further notice.
- FEMA state liaisons have deployed to Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center (SEOCs). Regular contact is being maintained with liaisons and the Region IV RRCC.
- The Federal Incident Response Team (FIRST) - Atlanta deployed late last night to the Tennessee SEOC and is now in Lafayette, Macon County.
- Emergency Response Teams Advance (ERT-A) have deployed to the Tennessee SEOC in support of the federal response mission.
- Federal preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams are standing by to assist state and local emergency managers assess damages and identify needs.
FEMA Region VI
- The Region VI RRCC in Denton, Texas is monitoring the situation and will remain on duty until further notice.
- A FEMA liaison was deployed to the Arkansas SEOC.
- A logistics ERT-A team has been deployed to identify and potentially mobilize resources to assist state and local efforts to protect lives and property
- FIRST Chicago has deployed to Arkansas to assist state and local response efforts.
- Federal PDA teams have mobilized to assist state and local emergency managers assess damages and identify needs.
FEMA continues to monitor the storm system as it moves into more areas, and assess its impact on those communities. The storms still are expected to bring high winds and dangerous conditions. Tornado conditions can happen quickly. Being prepared can save lives and property. While federal, state and local officials are responding to the storms, individuals should also take steps to plan for emergencies. The following are preparedness steps individuals can take now to protect their homes and families:
- Tune in to radio and television broadcasts that provide vital emergency information. Have a battery-powered radio on hand in case of power outages.
- Residents should identify appropriate tornado-safe sheltering locations and stay informed of approaching conditions by listening to local officials regarding emergency orders.
- Find out what you can do to be safe, such as creating family disaster plans. A wealth of information on preparing for a flood or other disasters is available online at www.ready.gov and www.fema.gov. These Websites have reading materials for families, pet owners, business and community leaders, plus checklists and practice exercises.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Feb-2008 13:45:38