Federal Government Continues Preparations For Hurricane Wilma
FEMA Urges Preparedness
Release Date: October 23, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-351
WASHINGTON, D.C. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging residents in Florida to continue monitoring Hurricane Wilma and to pay close attention to the guidance of state and local officials, and to be cautious about flooding and returning to evacuated areas.
"Residents of Florida should continue watching the progress of the storm and follow the guidance of their state and local officials," said David Paulison, Acting FEMA Director. "Hurricane Wilma has been unpredictable and from all reports will be a major hurricane. Individuals need to heed evacuation instructions of their local officials and make sure that whether they are evacuating their homes or in a non-evacuation area, that they have sufficient food and water for their family for at least three days.
FEMA is working with the State of Florida and local officials and stands ready to support Hurricane Wilma response in any way that may be needed. FEMA has pre-positioned supplies and commodities in the surrounding areas of potential landfall, and has deployed liaison teams in partnership with the state of Florida to those counties that could be particularly impacted.
Federal hurricane preparedness measures include the pre-positioning of more than 300 truckloads of water, ice and meals at Homestead Air Force Base and the Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida, and four Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams, nine National Disaster Medical System teams and three Mobile Emergency Response Systems (MERS) communications teams to support coordination and response. FEMA is ready to support the state in any way that may be needed.
Also, the U.S. Coast Guard is pre-staging aircraft and cutters for immediate response into the area after the storm passes. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified eight helicopters for the potential evacuation of residents or transporting of equipment and seven communications teams. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has 1,000 beds prepared for deployment in case of Florida request using Federal Medical Shelters (FMS) and has an additional 1,000 readily available.
Along with preparations being made by the federal government to support the state and local authorities with Hurricane Wilma response, FEMA instructs residents within the potential landfall area to take all necessary actions to prepare their homes and families for the storm. Before the storm's landfall, individuals should plan a safe evacuation route and identify a safe shelter space within their area and be aware of storm surge and flood zones in order to make appropriate disaster and evacuation plans.
Individuals should also have disaster supplies on hand, including: nonperishable food and water (including a non-electric can opener), a flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, cash, credit cards and important paper documents (bank statements, insurance records, identification cards, etc.), sturdy shoes and a change of clothing.
If a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued, residents should listen to hurricane progress reports and follow instructions if ordered to evacuate. Residents should check emergency supplies, store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and available cooking pots, bring outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, garden tools and other objects that can be wind-tossed to indoors, secure shutters and wood around your home, trim dead branches from nearby trees.
Also if a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued, residents should turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities, fuel cars and review evacuation routes, store valuable and personal papers in waterproof containers and review their family or household disaster plans.
If you are told to evacuate by state and local officials, residents should leave as soon as possible and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Residents should secure their homes, unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valves and, if time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor. Upon evacuation instructions, residents should also take pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing.
Flooding is a major concern during major storms and hurricanes and, as has already been seen in South Florida, requires residents to take steps to stay safe. Individuals should follow the following water safety tips:
- Seek higher ground and avoid dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. Avoid areas already flooded, especially near fast-flowing water and do not attempt to cross flowing streams on foot or by car. Never drive through flooded roadways and be especially cautious when driving at night. If your vehicle is caught in rising water, leave it immediately and get to higher ground.
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard's search and rescue capabilities and degraded as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters are urged to heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories. People should not go out on their boats 48 hours prior to and at least 72-96 hours after a hurricane has passed through an area.
- Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed to these evacuation orders. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.
- Secure your belongings. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.
- Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by Wilma Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.
FEMA is prepared to assist the state and local authorities as needed and continues to prepare and pre-position commodities and personnel for Hurricane Wilma. 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 and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 24-Oct-2005 08:24:10