Alabamians Urged To Prepare For Hurricane Rita
Release Date: September 19, 2005
Release Number: 1605-026
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) today urged Alabama residents to be ready to quickly prepare for the possibility of Tropical Storm Rita buffeting Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Forecasters report the storm is gathering intensity and could soon become a Category 3 hurricane.
Bruce Baughman, the state coordinating officer for AEMA, said All Alabamians, especially from the Gulf coastal region, should be prepared to have necessary supplies sufficient to last for 72 hours. The storm may strike elsewhere along the Gulf, but it is strongly urged that all of the Alabama coastal population -- permanent residents as well as tourists -- take these steps quickly for their safety.
There are a number of things citizens expecting a storm can do before finding themselves in the midst of strong winds and rushing water.
- If you stay in your residence, have an adequate supply of the following items to last at least 72 hours: drinking water, food, a first aid kit, a flashlight, important papers, emergency cash, credit cards, sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and similar necessary living items.
- Have a safe location where you can stay.
- Notify appropriate friends and/or relatives where you will be and, if possible, give them a cell phone number where you can be located.
- If you leave, take with you any medical prescriptions you will require. This applies whether you stay at home or evacuate.
- If you have a generator, be certain you have an adequate supply of fuel on hand should you lose power.
- Fill your automobile's fuel tank in the event you are required to leave your residence. At the same time, you should fill your fill your bath tub with water for possible use in flushing your toilets.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools, and anchor down things that can't be brought inside but could be wind-tossed.
- Make provisions for protecting pets.
Meanwhile, you should listen to news broadcasts to monitor the progress and direction of the storm.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Sep-2005 09:03:17