Evacuation: It's About Saving Lives, Not Travel Trailers, Mobile Homes 

Release Date: June 20, 2006
Release Number: 1604-386

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BILOXI, Miss. -- Residents of mobile homes and travel trailers were nervously focused on the path of this season's first named storm, Alberto. It missed the Mississippi Gulf Coast but brought a sense of urgency to preparations for any future storms. Some are familiar with the drill: a watch, then a warning for a hurricane is broadcast by the National Weather Service. People living in travel trailers or mobile homes who are prepared will grab their emergency kits, gather family members, and seek shelter in a pre-arranged safe zone as far north as possible.

They know evacuation is about saving lives - not travel trailers and mobile homes.

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), urge residents of these temporary units to follow guidelines for evacuating in the face of a hurricane to remain safe.

"When a hurricane approaches, the most important thing you can do is listen to local emergency officials for preparedness and evacuation plans," said Mike Womack, deputy director of MEMA. "Now is the time to make a family disaster plan, know your evacuation routes and where you will go when an evacuation is recommended."

Tune in to radio and television programs to hear what local emergency officials want you to do and when they want you to do it.

"It's not safe to remain in trailers or mobile homes even if they are tied down," said Womack. The temporary units should not be moved while trying to flee a storm; they will slow up evacuation by obstructing the highways.

If a trailer or mobile home is damaged in a hurricane, it will be repaired or replaced by FEMA," said Jesse Munoz, acting director of the Transitional Recovery Office for the Mississippi Hurricane Katrina recovery. "It's federal property."

Both FEMA and MEMA want residents to be prepared and safe before, during and after a storm, said Munoz and Womack.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident.  FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.  FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Jun-2006 14:42:18