FEMA Mitigation Specialist Teams Offer Sessions On Rebuilding Better And Safer 

Release Date: August 4, 2003
Release Number: 1482-05

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, High Winds, and Heavy Rain

Nashville, TN -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation specialists as guests of Home Depot Improvement Centers and Lowe's Home Improvement Centers in the Memphis area will be available to the public to provide guidance and advice aimed at assisting those repairing or rebuilding their homes following the recent severe weather. The specialists will be available to answer questions and offer guidance with rebuilding their properties in a stronger and safer manner in order to be more disaster resistant.

Teams will be available at two locations beginning Tuesday, August 5th, and will continue to be available through Saturday, August 9th. The sessions - free to the public - will be conducted between 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Home Depot Improvement Center
Hickory Hill Store
3469 Riverdale Road
Memphis, TN

Lowe's Home Improvement Center
7895 Winchester Road
Memphis, TN

Memphis area residents who are repairing or rebuilding their homes and businesses following the July 21-22 recent severe storms, high winds and heavy rains are especially encouraged to attend a session.

"FEMA's long-term policy for disaster recovery stresses hazard mitigation to make communities disaster resistant," said Charles M. Butler, the federal official in charge of long-term disaster recovery. "We use the lessons learned from one disaster to prevent similar damage in the next."

FEMA also encourages property owners in flood hazard areas to consider elevating furnaces, pumps, water heaters, circuit breakers and other essential equipment above expected flood levels. FEMA also recommends fastening wall and roof components together as a single unit for strength when rebuilding after flood or high-wind damage.

Other topics for discussion during the demonstrations will include safe rooms/tornado shelters, general disaster preparedness, FEMA assistance programs and insurance issues.

Additional sessions will be scheduled during the next few weeks. Their times and locations will be announced as plans materialize.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Aug-2003 08:31:29