Mitigation Outreach at Lowe's in Brevard, Duval and Volusia Counties
Release Date: October 31, 2008
Release Number: 1785-079
» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Fay
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Having gone through hundreds of severe weather occurrences in past years, many Floridians are eager to take advantage of prevention, preparation and mitigation tips and methods that can help them strengthen their homes and minimize future damage.
They have a firm grasp on the idea that rebuilding smarter and stronger is the best line of defense against disasters such as Tropical Storm Fay.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT) will be at Lowe's stores in Indian Harbor, Jacksonville and Port Orange, to educate the public on prevention, preparedness and rebuilding after a disaster.
Persons interested in learning how they can strengthen the homes they are building, rebuilding or remodeling have a chance to learn details from experts in the field.
Mitigation is an essential part of rebuilding and recovering from a disaster. Mitigation also allows individuals and communities to minimize the threat and help prevent more serious future damage. It also helps those affected to rebuild more quickly. These FEMA/SERT advisors are specialists and will explain the benefits of home strengthening through proper anchorage and strapping. They can explain how to build a safe room in your home and explain what qualifies as a safe room.
Below is the Mitigation Community Education and Outreach schedule:
| DATE | LOCATION | COUNTY |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 3 through 16 Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 1939 A1A Indian Harbor, FL 32937 |
Brevard County |
| Nov. 3 through 16 Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 13125 City Square Drive Jacksonville, FL 32218 |
Duval County |
| Nov. 3 through 16 Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 1751 Dunlawton Ave. Port Orange, FL 32127 |
Volusia County |
FEMA, SERT and all other first responders and emergency management personnel want Floridians to know that preparedness before the storm is extremely vital to saving lives and personal property.
FEMA's mitigation division has a Community Education and Outreach branch that educates the public on how to "Get a Plan" or rebuild after disasters.
- Getting informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family;
- Developing an emergency plan;
- Collecting and assembling disaster supplies kit;
- Learning where to seek shelter from all types of hazards;
- Identifying the community warning systems and evacuation routes;
- Practicing and maintaining your plan;
- Cleaning up flood-damaged homes affected by mold and mildew;
- Preparing for disasters for people with disabilities and other special needs;
- Helping children cope with disasters; and
- Saving lives when tornadoes strike.
Emergency alert weather radios can be lifesavers when severe weather threatens your area. The specialists will show you how weather radios allow you to program up to seven weather-specific locations without frequency interference. A mitigation community advisor is on hand to share fact sheets, brochures, pamphlets, and demonstrate how to program a weather radio that is approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- Residents with disaster-related damage who want to register with FEMA must do so by Nov. 10 by calling toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). The hard of hearing, deaf or speech impaired may call the TTY number at 800-462-7585 to apply. Multilingual operators are available to speak to applicants. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to midnight daily until further notice. Applicants may also register online at www.fema.gov.
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: Friday, 31-Oct-2008 12:45:21