Keeping an eye on Rita… Indications are that Rita will strengthen to at least a category three hurricane, possibly stronger. For the current NOAA forecasts click here The Department of Homeland Security has issued the following statement concerning Rita: As Tropical Storm Rita intensifies heading toward the Florida Keys and tracking for the Gulf, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging residents in southern Florida and those residents along the Gulf Coast to pay close attention to the storm's progress and to the directives of state and local officials. Preparations should be made now. Residents and visitors in the Florida Keys and southern Florida should be watching this storm closely and be following the instructions of local emergency management officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their families. Any storm - even a tropical storm or category one hurricane - poses serious danger. "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 by pre-positioning commodities and preparing to respond with critical personnel and supplies." Residents in the Gulf State region should also keep a close eye on this storm. Tropical Storm Rita has the potential to track through the Gulf region and with a current impact zone from Mexico to Mississippi and possibly even Alabama. Residents in Southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama should be advised that the storm could have particular impact in areas heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. FEMA is preparing for Tropical Storm Rita by pre-positioning supplies and commodities in the surrounding areas of potential landfall of the storm. Commodities of ice, water and Meals-Ready-to-Eat, Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces are in the final stages of positioning at federal facilities in the State of Florida.
•Date: 20th September 2005 • Region: US • Type:
Article •Topic: Emergency planning |
