Make Your Home Safer Through Visit With Disaster Experts 

Teams will be providing mitigation information at area home improvement stores

Release Date: May 4, 2007
Release Number: 1695-004

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PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Teams of Hazard Mitigation Advisors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with expertise in how to make homes and businesses safer from disasters will be available at area home improvement stores beginning this weekend. The workshops begin Saturday, May 5 and are part of the recovery effort following last week's federal disaster declaration.

Hazard Mitigation Advisors will be available to educate citizens on mitigation strategies and techniques that will reduce their losses the next time disaster strikes. The mitigation strategies range from something as simple as a family emergency plan to elevating a home that protects against the hazards of flooding. A study by The National Institute of Building Science's Multi-hazard Mitigation Council found that, although risk from natural disasters cannot be eliminated completely, every $1 spent on mitigation can save as much as $4 in response and recovery.

Visitors will receive free literature on a myriad of safety measures to implement before the next flooding event. Topics include how-tos on minimizing flood damage, techniques on home elevation and other mitigation, cleaning mold and mildew, protecting property against wind damage, understanding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the benefits of disaster preparedness.

The initial workshops are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, and will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional workshops will be scheduled for following weekends in other locations.

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, 04-May-2007 15:32:09