Preparedness Is At A Premium As Ophelia Approaches 

Hurricane Ophelia Threatens High Winds and Much Rain

Release Date: September 14, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-255

WASHINGTON , D.C. -- The erratic path of Hurricane Ophelia has prompted hurricane warnings from South Carolina to Virginia and federal, state and local emergency management officials have pre-positioned emergency supplies of food, water, ice and other relief supplies up and down the coast. In the midst of preparations for Ophelia's worst, Acting Under Secretary for Homeland Security and FEMA Director R. David Paulison urges southeast coastal residents to closely monitor the storm's progress, heed the instructions of state and local officials, and review and update family emergency plans.

"Individual preparedness is crucial," said Paulison. "Now is the time to update and replenish those family disaster kits to ensure that ample food, fresh water, prescription medication and other emergency supplies are sufficient for at least 72-hours in case of extended power outages or infrastructure failures. It's not paranoia to be prepared -- it's simple prudence."

Comprehensive tips for disaster kits and family disaster plans are available online: www.fema.gov , www.ready.gov ; and www.redcross.org , but all kits should include as a minimum: first aid kits, emergency food and water, prescription medication, emergency cash and credit cards, sturdy shoes and a change of clothes. But solid planning is only part of the equation, and Paulison urges all residents to be aware the changing risks.

"All residents within reach of Ophelia and peripheral weather effects should stay tuned to weather reports and follow instructions if ordered to evacuate," said Paulison. "If evacuation is ordered by state or local officials, secure your home, turn off electricity and water and leave as soon as possible."

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: Wednesday, 14-Sep-2005 10:22:18