FEMA Experts in Area Stores to Offer Free Advice to Rebuild Safer and Stronger 

Release Date: March 8, 2008
Release Number: 1744-043

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be demonstrating building techniques and offering free professional advice in area building supply stores. This free service helps home and business owners reinforce their properties against fires, storms and other assaults of nature.

The complete ASH FLAT schedule is listed below.

March 8
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Forschler True Value
60 Highway 62 412

March 9
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wal-Mart
219 Highway 62 412

March 10-12
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Forschler True Value
60 Highway 62 412

Arkansans who are repairing or rebuilding from recent severe storms are facing many choices - and opportunities - regarding how they put the pieces of their homes and lives back together. State and federal emergency management officials are hoping that some of those choices will include building techniques that can help prevent damage in future severe storms.

FEMA specialists will demonstrate and display some of the engineering techniques that home and business owners can incorporate while rebuilding. The techniques to fortify new and older mobile homes are also presented.

"As people repair or rebuild, it's an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures," says State Coordinating Officer Richard Griffin of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.

 "Many of these are small changes that can make a big difference the next time storms strike," says Federal Coordinating Officer Ken Riley, of FEMA.

Individuals can register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who have hearing or speech impairments. You can also register online at www.fema.gov. FEMA operators are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, until further notice. If residents are not sure if they will be eligible, they should still make the call. Don't disqualify yourself from assistance by not registering.

Mitigation Tip of the Week

Flying debris and being trapped in collapsed buildings are the primary causes of tornado deaths throughout the country. 

These are the top seven places to go during a tornado.

  1. Safe Room or Reinforced Shelter   A specially constructed, reinforced residential safe room or community shelter provides the best protection.
  2. Storm Cellar or Basement   Windowless underground or partially underground rooms are good.  If there are windows, stay away from them.
  3. Small, Interior Room on Lowest Level   If no basement is available go to the lowest level of the building and find a small interior room (closet or bathroom).
  4. Interior Hallway at Lowest Level   On the lowest level of the building, this will provide some protection.
  5. Any Small, Interior Room   In a high rise building, shopping center, factory or school or when unable to get to a lower floor, choose a small interior room or hallway.
  6. Under a Heavy Table   If no other option is available get under a heavy piece of furniture such as a table or workbench.
  7. Ditch or Low-Lying Area   When caught outdoors and unable to reach suitable shelter, crouch down or lie in a ditch or other low place in the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms.

ADEM and FEMA work together to coordinate the federal and state governments' roles 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.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's 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: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 08:01:10