Tropical Storm Fay
Release Date: August 18, 2008
Release Number: FNF-08-073
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ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the activities of federal agencies in anticipation of Tropical Storm Fay.
FEMA and its federal partners are working closely with state and local governments to prepare to respond to any requests for assistance. "Today you can see how we are working together. All Americans facing the danger of a hurricane striking their home should join us in our efforts," said Paulison. Federal agencies are updating plans and pre-positioning staff and supplies so that they are available if needed to respond to a federally declared disaster.
State and federal emergency management officials urge Americans across the Southeast to "Get Serious. Be Prepared." Taking a few simple precautions now can make a big difference:
- Have a kit of food, water, medicines and emergency supplies ready.
- Plan where you will go and where to meet up with loved ones now.
- Stay informed and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
- Don't wait. The effects of a major tropical storm can be as devastating as a larger hurricane in localized areas, with floods and power outages possible. All storms are serious.
As FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison noted, "Those of us in government, even with the help of our partners in the private and non-profit sectors, cannot do it alone."
Snapshot of Federal Activities
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- FEMA has brought its National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers to heightened states of readiness.
- FEMA National Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, Mobile Emergency Response System Detachments, and the National Incident Management Assistance Team East have been alerted and are standing by for potential deployment.
- FEMA logistics commodities pre-staged in Florida:
- 746,000 meals (35 trailers);
- 9,600 tarps;
- 616 rolls (20x100) of plastic sheeting.
- Fourteen Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are standing by for deployment if needed.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
USACE has Planning and Prime Power Teams on alert.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- HHS has placed one Disaster Medical Assistance Team on alert and notified three additional teams to be prepared, should they be needed, to deploy.
- HHS has five caches of emergency medical supplies on hand in Florida.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- USCG has an Incident Management Team on alert.
- The Port of Key West is closed and the ports of Miami, Tampa and Everglades have had their conditions upgraded as appropriate.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- DOT is monitoring traffic patterns relating to voluntary evacuations and the potential for additional evacuations.
- DOT has 500,000 sandbags on hand to assist with flood protection measures along critical transportation routes.
- DOT is communicating with the state and private sector to monitor fuel levels. Approximately 85 percent of gas stations along evacuation routes report sufficient fuel on hand to support any evacuations.
The U.S. Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Transportation Security Administration, National Infrastructure Coordination Center, and The American Red Cross all report a heightened state of awareness and updated planning activities to facilitate an efficient response.
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: Wednesday, 20-Aug-2008 15:51:30