Homeland Security Urges Preparedness As Hurricane
Wilma Tracks Toward Florida
Release
Date: October 18, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-339
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Hurricane Wilma intensifies
and heads toward the western Florida coastline,
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal
Emergency Management Agency is urging residents in
Florida to pay close attention to the storm’s progress
and to the directives of state and local officials.
Preparations should be made now.
“We
urge the public to take this storm seriously and to
listen to state and local authorities for instructions,”
said R. David Paulison, acting Director for FEMA.
“FEMA and the entire federal government stand ready
to assist state and local authorities. We encourage
residents in Florida to take the necessary precautions
in preparation for this storm and to assemble their
personal supply kits.”
Following
is a list of actions that individuals should undertake
and supplies to gather before Wilma’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.
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