[StBernard] FEMA's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: FEMA REMINDS CITIZENS TO BE ALERT AND BE PREPARED

[Westley Annis]

Disaster News

August 15, 2007

LA-1603/07-07-683

News Desk: 504-762-2477

 

FEMA REMINDS CITIZENS TO BE ALERT AND BE PREPARED

 

NEW ORLEANS - With the imminent threat of tropical storms and hurricanes, a
family disaster plan should be a top priority, especially for those who
occupy the more than 44,000 travel trailers or mobile homes provided by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  

 

These dwellings are not as heavy and stable as permanent houses, especially
during tropical storm force winds. Trailer residents are urged to listen to
local and state officials for evacuation orders when a storm approaches, and
be sure to leave the trailer behind. Unlike some family campers, these FEMA
housing units are intended to provide temporary housing in a stationary
setting. Once these temporary units are fixed in place, they should not be
moved from their assigned locations. 

 

"Travel trailers and mobile homes were designed as temporary housing
solutions and are not capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds," said
Jim Stark, FEMA director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "All
residents must prepare themselves and their families before a hurricane
hits. Be sure to assemble an emergency supply kit and have an evacuation
plan already in place."

 

If a severe weather warning is issued, and local officials advise
evacuation, residents should carry out their own disaster plans. This should
include gathering belongings and emergency supply kits, locking the unit's
doors and windows, closing valves on propane tanks, turning off the
electricity at the connection box and evacuating, preferably to a
pre-determined destination. 

 

"Preparedness begins in the home", said Col. Jeff Smith, Acting Director of
GOHSEP. "We want to make sure that our citizens have emergency plans in
place for hurricane season."

 

Here is a sampling of things to do to be aware and stay prepared:

*	Leave your travel trailer in place; do not tow it. 
*	Important items to pack include a battery-powered radio, flashlight,
extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, manual can opener, utility
knife and first aid supplies.  
*	Copy and store in a waterproof bag your important documents such as
medical records, contracts, deeds, leases, banking records, insurance
records and birth certificates.  
*	Keep your vehicle fueled and pack some cash and a credit card. Gas
pumps and ATMs may not be working.  
*	Know where you are going. Have confirmed hotel reservations, make
arrangements to stay with your friends and family or know where your nearest
shelter is located.
*	If your household includes a person with a disability, you may need
to take special steps to assist them. Remember their medications and travel
requirements as you make your plan to evacuate.
*	Pets also require special handling. They may become agitated during
the onset of a storm, so a pet carrier is a must when you travel. Know where
you will board your pet if there is not room where you are going.

 

For more information on local hurricane preparedness, visit
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov <http://www.ohsep.lousiana.gov/>  . FEMA's Web site
at www.fema.gov <http://www.fema.gov/>  also features a series of links that
provide information about what to do when a disaster approaches. Online
products range from simple steps a family should take in advance of a storm
to a list of specific items to include in an emergency "go-kit." The
Department of Homeland Security's www.ready.gov <http://www.ready.gov/>  Web
site is another valuable resource when preparing for a hurricane.

 

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. 

# # #

 

Editors: For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit
www.fema.gov