FEMA Coordinates Federal Response to Tropical Storm Ernesto
Release Date: August 29, 2006
Release Number: HQ-06-131
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been coordinating the preparedness efforts of more than 15 federal agencies as Tropical Storm Ernesto nears landfall, and is also urging the public to be prepared and remain in a state of readiness as the storm approaches.
“FEMA and our federal and state partners have taken significant steps to prepare for Tropical Storm Ernesto,” said FEMA Director David Paulison. “The public needs to remain vigilant and be prepared as well, not only before the storm, but during and after.”
As Tropical Storm Ernesto winds its way north, citizens across the East Coast should continue to prepare their homes and business for potential wind damage and flooding. Take appropriate steps and prepare for evacuation by staying informed through news reports.
It is critical that individuals follow instructions from local officials, including the police, firefighters and first responders in their community before, during and after the hurricane passes. Even after the immediate danger passes from Ernesto, hazards of weakened and damaged trees, downed power lines, high water and other dangers may exist.
FEMA continues to closely monitor the storm with the Hurricane Liaison Team at the National Hurricane Center and is coordinating with state and local officials as they make decisions for their communities on evacuations and response activities.
FEMA and its state partners in the Southeastern U.S. remind the public that individual and community preparedness is essential to an effective response, and that pre-staged supplies do not supplant the need for individuals and families that could be affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto to have emergency supplies on hand.
By taking simple steps to prepare, citizens allow authorities to focus efforts and resources to life-saving efforts and helping those who need it most. Individuals, families, and businesses should:
- Prepare emergency supply kits with food, water, battery operated radios and medicines to last up to a minimum of 72 hours. Pet owners also should ensure they have supplies and a plan for their pets.
- Make emergency plans that include how and where they would evacuate, shelter-in-place and communicate with one another.
- Listen to local authorities for direction and evacuation orders.
FEMA remains forward-looking in staging of resources throughout the Mid-Atlantic states as Tropical Storm Ernesto nears landfall, potentially flooding multiple states. As of August 29, 2006 – before Ernesto reaches Florida – FEMA has issued 50 mission assignments totaling more than $ 17 million dollars to federal agencies for their support of emergency actions.
Under the National Response Plan, these agencies are working together to share information across multiple states and at every level of government. Some of the activities include:
- FEMA regional and national response coordination centers are working with partners at the National Hurricane Center to anticipate the storm's landfall.
- Under the National Response Plan, the U.S. Corps of Engineers has the water and ice mission and has been tasked to deliver 250 truckloads of water to support response efforts.
- Planning and Response Teams have been activated for Ice, Water, Debris Removal, Temporary Power, Temporary Housing, and Temporary Roofing and various assets are being pre-positioned so that they can reach the impacted areas as quickly as possible.
- HHS has readied its Rapid Deployment Force (105 person team), an Incident Response Coordination Team (30 person team) and its coordination staff to respond to the immediate health and medical needs of those in potentially affected areas.
- DOT will work with state emergency management organizations to facilitate the evacuation under state emergency authorities.
For more information on preparing for emergencies, please visit www.ready.gov. For additional information on evacuation orders and emergency instructions or updates on Florida state emergency management plans, please visit www.floridadisaster.org.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 29-Aug-2006 16:46:18