FEMA Helps Floridians Recover From Devastating Tornadoes
Release Date: February 4, 2007
Release Number: R4-07-022
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ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on the ground in Florida, helping the state and affected communities recover from tornadoes that struck Thursday night and Friday morning.
"The president and FEMA are bringing all available resources to assist the states citizens recover from this disaster," said Jesse Munoz, the official designated to coordinate FEMA's relief effort.
"The State of Florida has a great response system, and that has been demonstrated in its response to these tornadoes," Munoz added. "FEMA is here to support all of the state's recovery needs. Dozens of trucks with supplies already are in the state."
The trucks arrived with 50 generators, 5,000 tarps, almost 50,000 liters of water, 1,100 rolls of plastic sheeting, and over 400,000 meals ready-to-eat. Those supplies were sent to a state logistics warehouse near Orlando to supplement existing state resources that are being distributed.
Well over 200 FEMA personnel already are assigned to this disaster. Community Relations teams are in the field today, sharing information with citizens in damaged neighborhoods.
Ten Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRC) have been moved to Florida. One already is operating in Lady Lake, and the others will open in the next few days.
The open MDRC is located at 1985 Laurel Manor Drive, in the parking lot of the Laurel Manor Recreation Center. Disaster victims can register and get information at the MDRC.
Victims can also register online at www.fema.gov or by telephone. The teleregistration numbers are 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 05-Feb-2007 16:46:54