release 101129

Statement from FEMA Administrator Fugate on the end of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season

FEMA News Desk
Contact: 202-646-3272
For Immediate Release
No.: HQ-10-223
November 29, 2010

WASHINGTON — The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Craig Fugate, issued the following statement today on the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially ends tomorrow. The season began on June 1 and was the most active hurricane season since 2005, with 19 named storms and 12 hurricanes.

"Tomorrow marks the official end of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season - the most active in five years. While this hurricane season may be over, disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year. The bottom line is that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. They range from natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes, to events such as power outages.

"The more prepared we all are now, the more successfully we can protect our homes, families, businesses and communities from the potentially devastating effects of a disaster. If you haven't taken the steps yet to be prepared for emergencies, you can visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more, including how to put together an emergency supply kit, develop a family communications plan, and stay informed of the hazards that exist in your area

"We were lucky that we were spared from any direct landfalls this year, even from the most threatening storms, hurricanes Earl and Alex. But this season reminded us that flooding can be just as dangerous as high winds, and we saw major flooding events from Texas to Tennessee to North Carolina and Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where communities will be dealing with the aftermath for some time to come. This season also serves as an important reminder of just how critical it is for all of us - federal agencies, state and local governments, the private sector and individuals - to be prepared.

"But federal, state and local government can't do it alone - we are just part of our nation's emergency management team. We can only be as prepared as the public, because the reality is, when disaster strikes, individuals must be ready so that food, water and the critical resources of our first responders can be deployed in support of our most vulnerable citizens.

"If you haven't already, visit www.ready.gov to learn more."

Days in advance of Earl and Alex, FEMA deployed food, water and personnel to work with the states in the storms' tracks, to ensure they had what they needed to effectively respond. Read more information about disaster declarations this hurricane season.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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