When Hurricanes Threaten, FEMA Web Site Is A Good Source Of Accurate Information For Adults And Children
Release Date: September 15, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-184
Washington, DC - The Web site of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an accurate - and timely - source of information for residents, businesses and communities in the path of Hurricane Isabel, said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response. It can also help parents explain the hurricane's potential for damage to young children.
FEMA's award-winning web site, at www.fema.gov, provides frequent updates on the path of storms, based on the latest National Weather Service data, and information on how residents can prepare for and recover from hurricanes. The FEMA for Kids section, www.fema.gov/kids, has information on talking to children about disasters and ways to help them recover afterward.
"The Internet is an excellent way that FEMA stays in touch with the nation and keeps those potentially in the path of a hurricane on the alert," Brown said. "In addition to up-to-date information, the web site also provides preparedness and prevention information to help residents and businesses reduce damage before a storm hits."
Parents seeking help on talking to their children about disasters or how to help them after ward, should go to: http://www.fema.gov/kids/tch_after.htm. Children can also learn about hurricane preparation in language geared to middle elementary school, by going to http://www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm.
Additional pages of interest include:
FEMA Photo Library, at http://www.photolibrary.fema.gov.
Tropical Storm Page, at http://www.fema.gov/storm/trop.shtm.
Preparedness and prevention information, at http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/.
"In times of disaster, there is no substitute for clear, timely and accurate information," said Brown. "We encourage the public to visit our Web site in order to be on alert for potential hurricanes and inland flooding through the 2003 hurricane season."
The ninth named storm of the 2003 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Isabel is a significant storm predicted to hit land around North Carolina or Virginia on Thursday. Large ocean swells and dangerous surf are likely over large portions of the Atlantic Seaboard.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Sep-2003 12:11:44