Adverse Winter Weather: FEMA Urges Citizens to be Cautious 

Release Date: January 27, 2009
Release Number: R6-09-011

DENTON, Texas -- FEMA is closely monitoring a major winter storm affecting a large part of the nation today. FEMA will continue to coordinate with federal partners, tribal, state and local governments and voluntary agencies. FEMA stands ready to support if needed.

FEMA Region VI has activated its Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) and FEMA liaisons have been deployed to both the Oklahoma Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Arkansas EOC. FEMA Region VI is also in close contact with the State of Texas, monitoring developments.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been activated to provide a power Planning and Response Team. 

FEMA is staging 50-pack generator kits in McAlester, Oklahoma and Fayetteville, Arkansas. These generators are not intended for home use. They are used to power critical infrastructure such as hospitals, police stations and pumping facilities. The package of generators typically consists of:

Transporting these generators usually requires six or seven tractor trailer rigs.

While the federal government continues to monitor and prepare for possible winter storm hazards, FEMA urges citizens also to be cautious. There are steps individuals can take to protect their families during winter storms.

Before A Winter Storm:

Prepare a disaster kit and add the following supplies:

Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.  Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

During A Winter Storm:

Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

If you are outdoors, keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:

Travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.

Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts

For more information on planning for winter storms, please visit www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/index.shtm.

Winter Preparedness Tips can be found at www.fema.gov/media/archives/2007/110607.shtm.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-Jan-2009 16:21:46