FEMA Poised To Respond To Hurricane Noel
Release Date: November 2, 2007
Release Number: FNF-07-077
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to monitor Hurricane Noel and assess potential response activities as system churns along the Eastern Seaboard. The late-season Atlantic storm has the potential to bring heavy rains, high winds and flooding in the very near future.
As part of its forward-leaning posture, FEMA's Region 1 is coordinating with federal, state, and local governments to identify resources and activate plans in preparation for possible impact.
As the federal, state and local governments take their steps to prepare, citizens are urged to do the same. There are steps individuals can take now to protect their families in the event of dangerous weather:
- The first step is to begin by listening for announcements from local emergency managers regarding evacuation orders, sheltering locations, and personal readiness actions;
- Emergency disaster kits should be checked to ensure they include necessary items to sustain family members for at least three days, whether they need to evacuate or shelter in place. Disaster Kits and evacuation plans should also be prepared for the family pet. It is also a good time to map out evacuation routes if they haven't yet been identified.
- Learn the warning signs; and
- Consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio. These radios broadcast National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other post-event information for all types of hazards, both natural (such as earthquakes and volcano activity) and environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), 24 hours a day.
To protect your home from the dangers associated with the various types of severe weather, consider taking some of the following measures before severe storms strike:
- Securely anchoring manufactured homes to concrete foundations;
- Installing backflow valves in waste lines to prevent contamination;
- Removing old shingles and adding more nails to roof boards;
- Elevating utilities such as fuse boxes, heating and ventilating equipment above known flood levels; and
- Building a safe room.
For more information on planning for all types of emergencies, natural and manmade, go to www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm or www.ready.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 02-Nov-2007 18:00:59