FEMA Moving Immediately To Address Lock Issues In FEMA Group Site Trailer Parks 

Release Date: August 14, 2006
Release Number: 1603-522

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is taking immediate steps to address the potential that some industry-standard travel trailers in FEMA group site trailer parks have the same locksets.

Deputy Director of Gulf Coast Recovery Gil Jamieson said, "We are working aggressively to establish the extent of the problem and determine the best solution for the safety and security of those who now reside in these trailer units."

"We are asking residents to be extra vigilant and take precautions to secure the trailer that they occupy. As always, residents should report any suspicious activity to security or local law enforcement immediately. We encourage them to work together to promote a neighborhood watch and help ensure the safety of all residents."

FEMA has implemented an awareness campaign to inform residents of these trailers of the potential for the same key to open more than one trailer. Most importantly, FEMA is taking steps to ensure the safety and security of residents living in FEMA group trailer parks. Some of these measures include changing out existing locksets, increased vigilance by security personnel at group sites, notification of local law enforcement officials for additional surveillance, and promoting the use of neighborhood watches by residents.

Residents who would like to have their trailer locks changed should call their maintenance service provider or contact the manager of their FEMA group site trailer park. The phone number is posted inside their units.

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: Monday, 14-Aug-2006 12:41:28