Homeland Security Urges Preparedness And Continues Preparations As Hurricane Wilma Strengthens
Release Date: October 20, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-342
WASHINGTON, DC -- As Hurricane Wilma intensifies and heads toward the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents in Florida and along the Gulf Coast to pay close attention to the storm’s progress and to the directions of state and local officials. Preparations should be made now.
“We urge the public to take this storm seriously and to listen to state and local authorities for instructions,” said R. David Paulison, acting director for FEMA. “FEMA and the entire federal government stand ready to assist state and local authorities. FEMA will be there to assist throughout the cleanup to recovery of this storm.”
Other FEMA activities underway are:
- 50 truckloads of ice, 50 truckloads of water, 5 truckloads of meals are en-route to pre-position to Homestead Air Force Base (Fla.) to be staged by Friday afternoon.
- 100 truckloads of ice, 100 truckloads of water, 25 truckloads of meals are en-route to pre-position to Jacksonville Naval Air Station (Fla.) to be staged by Friday afternoon.
- 2 Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and 1 Incident Support Team have been deployed to arrive in Orlando, Fla., by 12 noon on Friday.
- 2 additional Urban Search and Rescue teams are staging at their home bases in Florida.
- 6 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are deployed to pre-stage in Orlando by Friday afternoon.
- 6 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are on alert at their home bases.
Following is a list of actions that individuals should undertake and supplies to gather before Wilma’s anticipated landfall.
Before a Hurricane Strikes:
Plan a safe evacuation route and identify safe shelter space within your area. Those in storm surge zones, in flood zones, or in less than standard housing should be especially vigilant in preparing disaster plans.
Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
- Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener)
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing
- Copies of important papers
- Checkbook and bank statements
- Credit card information
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Other forms of identification proving home ownership and identity
When a Hurricane Watch or Warning is Issued:
- Listen to hurricane progress reports. Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
- Check your emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and available cooking pots.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
- Secure your home by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood.
- Trim dead branches from trees.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities.
- Fuel your car. Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supply kit.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
- Review your family disaster plan.
If You Are Told To Evacuate:
- If officials order evacuation, leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Secure your home. Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve. If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor.
- Take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing.
For more information on emergency preparedness, please visit www.Ready.gov or www.fema.gov.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, 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: Thursday, 20-Oct-2005 09:54:05