FEMA Specialists Offer Tips to Be Storm Safe 

Release Date: March 10, 2008
Release Number: 1745-028

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In the wake of disasters, people often wonder whether there is a way to protect themselves and their property from devastating loss. The answer is yes!

Specialists from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be at four local building supply stores this week with tips and information for shoppers.

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation specialists will be in the stores from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In addition to answering questions, they will have information about how to rebuild safer and stronger and steps that may lessen damages in a future disaster. This ranges from creating a disaster family plan to building a "safe room" - a shelter designed to provide occupants a safe place to go when severe weathers threatens.

Home owners and contractors are encouraged to visit the following locations:

Lowe's
360 East Main St.
Hendersonville, TN 37075

Lowe's
634 S. Cumberland St.
Lebanon, TN 37087

Lowe's
3060 Mallory Lane
Franklin, TN 37067

Home Depot
5411 Columbia Pike
Springhill, TN 37124

Small mitigation actions can lessen the damages and financial impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole. A study by the Multihazard Mitigation Council shows each dollar spent on mitigation saves society an average of $4.

A series of free mitigation publications is available at www.fema.gov or by calling (800) 480-2520. These include: Taking Shelter from the Storm, Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future, Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting and Understanding Your Risks and Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses.

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 12:57:57