FEMA Advises Now Is The Time To Develop Emergency Family Plan
Families living in FEMA temporary housing should be especially vigilant
Release Date: May 22, 2008
Release Number: 1603-792
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- With the summer storm season setting in and hurricane season drawing near, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is advising residents in temporary housing units to have a family disaster plan in place in case of emergency.
Everyone, including residents of any travel trailer or mobile home, should closely monitor and heed the directions of state and local officials when severe weather threatens and be ready to evacuate and leave the trailer behind if told to do so. Specifically, travel trailers and mobile homes are not as heavy and stable as permanent houses, and are move vulnerable during severe weather. FEMA housing units are intended to provide temporary housing in a stationary setting; they should not be moved from their assigned locations.
It is clear from recent storms that travel trailers are not meant for long-term housing, said Jim Stark, Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for FEMAs Gulf Coast Recovery Office. With hurricane season quickly approaching, we are using all means possible to move residents into safer, long-term and more functional housing.
FEMA has nearly met its goal of having all group sites closed by June 1st 95 percent of group site residents have transitioned to more permanent housing. However, some residents in temporary housing units may not be able to secure more permanent housing by the time severe weather occurs and they are urged to be prepared.
There is no substitute for individual preparedness when it comes to the safety of individuals and their families. Plans should be made for any family member who may need special assistance because of a disability. Also, provisions should be made for family pets.
A family disaster supply kit should be ready in advance and should contain the following:
- A three day supply of water, food and clothingincluding sturdy shoes
- Medications, medical supplies and prescriptions
- Bedding, first aid and tools
- Emergency supplies such as a flashlight and portable battery-operated weather radio with extra batteries
- Cash and credit cards
- Copies of important papers and valuables such as bank statements, insurance records and deeds
- Infant supplies such as formula and diapers
Individuals and their families should also make a communications plan with all of their evacuation details pre-planned. The plan should provide:
- Advance arrangements concerning where the family will go should evacuation become necessary
- Contact information for the evacuation location for every family member
- A central point of contact (an out-of-town relative or friend) that family members can call in case they become separated
For more information on local hurricane preparedness, visit www.ohsep.louisiana.gov. FEMA's website at www.fema.gov also features a series of links that provide information about what to do when a disaster approaches. The Department of Homeland Security's www.ready.gov website is another valuable resource when preparing for a hurricane.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments 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: Tuesday, 27-May-2008 11:03:47