FEMA Says There's No Better Time Than Now To Prepare
Release Date: August 15, 2007
Release Number: HQ-07-162
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tropical Storm Dean gathers strength in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Erin in the Gulf threatens the coast of Texas and Hurricane Flossie once a threat to Hawaii weakens. With the peak of hurricane season squarely upon us, it's time for individuals to review their personal preparedness plans and ready their disaster supply kits.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) coordinates the federal response to disasters and also plays an important role in preparing the nation for disasters. But it is everyone’s responsibility to take their own personal preparedness seriously.
“If you haven’t begun to prepare for storm season, now is the time, before weather conditions make it harder for you to do.” advised David Paulison, FEMA Administrator. “There are simple steps to preparing that include having a disaster kit, making a plan for your family and pet in case of evacuations and staying informed by listening to your local emergency management officials.”
Here’s what you can do to get ready now:
Prepare a disaster kit for your home: Stock up on non-perishable food and water to sustain you and your family for up to 72 hours or longer. Have a supply of ice stored for your comfort and convenience because distribution of ice after a disaster may be restricted to individuals and facilities with health and medical needs.
Ensure you have important papers (e.g. insurance, identification), first aid kit, a supply of prescription medicines and other specialty items in your preparedness kit. In addition, plan to have an emergency kit for your car in case you need to evacuate. While creating a disaster kit, pet owners should remember to pack the necessary items for their pets.
You can find more information on preparing your disaster kit at: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html
Create an emergency plan: Know what to do if you have to evacuate. It is also critical to know local evacuation routes, nearby safe shelters and have a communication plan in place for your family. Make sure you know how to contact members of your family and have an emergency contact number for someone out of state who knows where you are in the event of an emergency. Make sure your pet is included in your emergency plan. You may want to offer assistance to an elderly or disabled family member or neighbor that may be alone and may need your help during an emergency. Make your plans ahead of time and practice them.
Be informed: Know evacuation routes, and listen to local authorities when asked to evacuate. Everyone should know their risks. Whether you live in a coastal community or inland, speak with your insurance agent now about flood insurance and review your home owner’s policy. Every state is at risk for flooding and homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a cost-effective way to financially prepare for floods. To learn more about your risk and flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
People who live in manufactured housing also should be aware of their risk during a storm as well as the many who are still residing in FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes. People should have disaster plans and be ready to vacate their residence when advised by local authorities.
To stay informed during a storm keep a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information should you experience a power outage and have extra batteries on hand.
Get involved. Contact your local Citizen Corps Council to learn what efforts your community is taking to prepare for hurricane season, and learn how you can help. Through the Councils and Citizen Corps Partner Programs, it is possible to receive training in basic emergency response and find volunteer opportunities to assist your first responders in an emergency. To find a nearby Citizen Corps Council or to learn more about Citizen Corps' Partner Programs, visit www.citizencorps.gov.
For more information on how to prepare for this hurricane season, please visit “Get Ready 07” at www.fema.gov. There, you will find a comprehensive listing of information on family and business preparedness, disaster support links for people with disabilities and other special needs, and tips for preparing your pets for the next disaster. You can also visit the www.ready.gov for more information.
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: Thursday, 16-Aug-2007 11:01:01