Tips On "Smarter, Stronger" Building At Lowe's In Four Counties
Release Date: November 17, 2008
Release Number: 1785-088
» More Information on Florida Tropical Storm Fay
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Floridians seeking to build smarter and stronger homes to defend against future storms can now get face-to-face advice from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation specialists.
Specialists in "mitigation" - the art of reducing risks and damage - will be available for consultation at Lowe's stores in Naples, Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Jacksonville, to educate the public on prevention, preparedness and rebuilding after a disaster.
For those interested in strengthening their homes as they build, rebuild or remodel, this is a chance to talk to authorities about different mitigation techniques.
Mitigation plays an essential role in recovery from disasters as individuals and communities rebuild in order to protect their properties from future threats. FEMA advisors will explain home-strengthening techniques through proper anchorage and strapping, how to build a safe room in their homes as well as what qualifies as a safe room.
Below is the Mitigation Community Education and Outreach schedule:
| DATE | LOCATION | COUNTY |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 17 through Dec. 1
Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 6415 Naples Blvd. Naples, FL 34109 |
Collier County |
| Nov. 17 through Dec. 1 Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 3620 Southeast Federal Highway Stuart, FL 34997 |
Martin County |
| Nov. 24 through Nov. 30 Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 701 Northwest St. Lucie Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 |
St. Lucie County |
| Nov. 17 through Nov. 30 Hours: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesday |
Lowe's Store 9525 Regency Square Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32225 |
Duval County |
FEMA 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.
- Becoming informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family;
- Developing an emergency plan;
- Collecting and assembling a 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 demonstrate 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).
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: Monday, 17-Nov-2008 17:51:27