When Bad Weather Strikes, Be Ready To Leave Trailer
Release Date: July 19, 2006
Release Number: 1606-230
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
BEAUMONT, Texas -- Recent thunderstorms in southeast Texas emphasize the ever-present possibility of tropical storms this hurricane season, even as recovery from Hurricane Rita continues. Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remind travel trailer residents that if a tropical storm or other severe weather is predicted, they must be ready to evacuate.
"Southeast Texas residents, especially those who are occupying travel trailers, need to understand the potential damages that could occur even with tropical storm winds," said Sandra Cooley, director of FEMA's Area Field Office (AFO) in Beaumont, Texas. "We urge travel trailer occupants to rely on their pre-existing evacuation plans and to be prepared to leave.
"Personal safety is a priority in the wake of any storm threat," Cooley emphasized. "It is better to be safe than to 'wait and see.' "
Although many months have passed since Rita's landfall, FEMA maintains a strong presence in Jefferson and surrounding counties to support the long-term housing needs for those that were forced out of their homes by Hurricane Rita, Cooley said. But she emphasized that the trailers are temporary solutions and FEMA's concern is keeping residents from harm.
The high winds generated by a tropical storm or hurricane can cause damage to travel trailers. A tropical storm warning indicates winds are expected to occur between 39 and 73 miles per hour. If a warning is issued, occupants should be prepared to vacate their travel trailers. If a Category 1 hurricane develops, this means winds will reach 74 miles per hour. At this level, extensive damage can be caused. Hurricanes greater than Category 1 mean even more destruction.
Travel trailers are anchored to the ground at the front and in the rear. It is considered unsafe to try to remain in them during high winds. Do not take or move the trailer! It is federal property and illegal to move.
"Currently, more than 3,500 families are temporarily sheltered in FEMA travel trailers in
Texas," said River Burton, Human Services team lead at the Beaumont AFO. "Our 50 travel trailer field representatives - all hired locally - understand the real threats that the upcoming storm season pose to the recovery process."
"We work hard to verify and support applicants' plans to obtain safe and permanent housing," she added. "We also inform occupants to be ready for an evacuation, listen to their local emergency managers and, if ordered to evacuate, leave the FEMA trailers in place."
To prepare now for an evacuation:
-
Keep fuel in your vehicle.
-
Make sure you know your evacuation route.
-
Tie down items left outside. These may become projectiles due to high winds and should be placed inside your trailer. If an item won't fit inside, secure it as best you can outside.
-
Let your local emergency management officials know in advance if you will need assistance to evacuate.
-
Keep tuned to weather news on television or radio.
-
Have your disaster preparation kit ready, or go to www.ready.gov for help on creating one.
-
Have cash on hand.
-
If you have special needs, alert officials in advance by calling 2-1-1.
If your local officials order an evacuation, do the following:
-
Close and lock your windows.
-
Close and lock the roof vent.
-
Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker.
-
Turn off the main water valve outside the trailer and disconnect the hose.
-
Turn off the two propane tanks outside by tightening the valves clockwise.
-
Secure travel trailer awnings, if applicable.
-
Take any items that might spoil out of your refrigerator and freezer.
-
Take important personal items and your pets with you.
-
Lock the door and take your keys with you.
For additional information about being prepared in advance when a disaster strikes and what to include in your emergency evacuation kit go to www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19-Jul-2006 16:11:00