FEMA Mitigation Specialist Teams Again Offer Sessions On Rebuilding Better And Safer
Release Date: August 9, 2003
Release Number: 1482-13
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, High Winds, and Heavy Rain
Nashville, TN -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation specialist teams, as guests of Home Depot Improvement Centers and Lowe's Home Improvement Centers in the Memphis area, again will be available to the public to provide advice and guidance aimed at assisting those who are 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.
Beginning Monday, August 11th and continuing through Saturday, August 16th, the teams will be offering free-to-the-public sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:
| Home Depot Home Improvement Center 800 Truse Road Memphis, TN |
Lowe's Home Improvement Center 430 S. Germantown Parkway Cordova, TN |
Residents who are repairing or rebuilding their homes and businesses following the July 21-22 severe storms, high winds and heavy rains are especially encouraged to attend a session.
"FEMA's long-term policy for disaster recovery stresses disaster preparedness to make communities more disaster resistant," said Charles M. Butler, the federal official in charge of long-term disaster recovery. "This partnership between Home Depot, Lowe's and FEMA - is an excellent example of industry and government working together with the common goal of serving citizens."
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.
Tennessee's coordinating officer for disaster recovery, James H. Bassham, stressed the importance of citizens taking advantage of this opportunity to gain invaluable advice and guidance on building or rebuilding after a disaster. "FEMA has arranged for specialists in hazard mitigation to be available to meet face-to-face with individuals and provide one-on-one assistance with building safer and stronger," Bassham said.
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: Monday, 11-Aug-2003 08:42:09