Preparations For Hurricane Rita Shift Into High Gear
Release Date: September 20, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-283
WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Rita and making continuous preparations for the storm. FEMA again reminds residents in Florida and the Gulf Coast states to pay close attention to Hurricane Rita and to listen to local officials and follow their instructions.
"President Bush has issued an emergency declaration in Florida per the request of the Governor," said Acting FEMA Director R. David Paulison. "FEMA is pre-positioning rescue personnel and commodities in Florida and we are working very closely with all of our federal, state, and local partners."
Other FEMA activities underway are:
- 50 truckloads of water and ice and 20 truckloads of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) have been staged at federal facilities in Florida.
- 2 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and 2 Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces are pre-staged in Florida.
- 45 truckloads of water, 45 truckloads of ice, and 8 truckloads of MREs are being staged in Texas.
- 9 Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces and 9 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are pre-staging in Texas.
Following is a list of actions that individuals should undertake and supplies to gather before Rita's anticipated landfall.
Before a Hurricane Strikes:
Plan a safe evacuation route and identify safe shelter space within your area. Those in storm surge zones, in flood zones, or in less than standard housing should be especially vigilant in preparing disaster plans.
Have disaster supplies on hand, including:
- Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener)
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing
- Copies of important papers (bank statements, insurance records, deeds, etc.)
When a Hurricane Watch or Warning is Issued:
- Listen to hurricane progress reports. Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
- Check your emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and available cooking pots.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
- Secure your home by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood.
- Trim dead branches from trees.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities.
- Fuel your car. Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supply kit.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
- Review your family disaster plan.
If You Are Told To Evacuate:
- If officials order evacuation, leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
- Secure your home. Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve. If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor.
- Take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing.
For more information on emergency preparedness, please visit www.Ready.gov or www.fema.gov.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Sep-2005 16:08:31