FEMA and MEMA Hurricane Preparation Info Available Online
Release Date: June 11, 2008
Release Number: 1604-656
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
BILOXI, Miss. -- The 2008 hurricane season is here and storm preparedness information is available online at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Web sites.
FEMA's online products range from simple steps a family should take in advance of a storm to a list of specific items to include in a disaster supply kit. These online products are available at www.fema.gov. Among other things, the site defines hurricanes, explains their categories, lists hurricane names and outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane.
MEMA's Web site offers tips for families on what items should be included in their disaster kit. The site also gives important information on how to develop a family communication and evacuation plan in case evacuations are ordered. You can view these tips at www.msema.org.
One of FEMA's most comprehensive publications, "Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness," also is available online. The guide provides a step-by-step approach to disaster preparedness by walking readers through how to get informed about local emergency plans, how to identify hazards that affect their local area, and how to develop and maintain an emergency communications plan and disaster supplies kit. Other topics include evacuation, emergency public shelters, animals in disaster, and information specific to people with disabilities.
The FEMA Web site includes a "FEMA for Kids" section - www.fema.gov/kids - that speaks to children, in terms they can easily understand, about hurricanes and other disasters. Herman, P.I.C.
(the Particularly Important Crab) directs children through the Web site. One section defines hurricanes, explains things to know, how to create a disaster "go-kit," how to be pet-prepared, how to protect a home from hurricanes and the importance of weather radios, among other useful information.
FEMA also has a citizen preparedness DVD titled, "Getting Ready for Disaster - One Family's Experience." The DVD guides viewers through important steps of disaster.
The Department of Homeland Security's www.ready.gov Web site has a series of links that provide information for children as well as adults about what to do when a disaster approaches. The Web site encourages readers to get a kit (of emergency supplies), make a plan (for what you will do in an emergency) and be informed (of what might happen).
A transcript of the videos is available for those that are unable to view these files.
The following is a list of additional online FEMA topics and products, along with the file sizes, to assist residents in protecting property from high winds and flooding. These files are available at www.fema.gov.
Protect Your Property from High Winds
- Maintain Exterior Insulation Finishing System Walls (PDF 114 KB)
- Protect Windows and Doors (PDF 77 KB)
- Install Shutters or Plywood Window Covers (PDF 72 KB)
- Reinforce Double Entry Doors (PDF 53 KB)
- Reinforce or Replace Garage Doors (PDF 64 KB)
- Remove Trees and Potential Windborne Missiles (PDF 71 KB)
- Secure Metal Siding and Metal Roofs (PDF 96 KB)
- Secure Built-Up and Single-Ply Roofs (PDF 72 KB)
- Secure Composition Shingle Roofs (PDF 102 KB)
- Brace Gable End Roof Framing (PDF 72 KB)
Protect Your Property from Flooding
- Build With Flood-Resistant Materials (PDF 87 KB)
- Dry Floodproof Your Building (PDF 56 KB)
- Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls (PDF 75 KB)
- Raise Electrical System Components (PDF 65 KB)
- Anchor Fuel Tanks (PDF 68 KB)
- Raise or Floodproof HVAC Equipment (PDF 60 KB)
- Install Sewer Backflow Valves (PDF 75 KB)
- Protect Wells From Contamination by Flooding (PDF 94 KB)
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.
Download Plug-in
Some of the links on this page require a plug-in to view them. Links to the plug-ins are available below.
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Jun-2008 09:30:30