Ernesto update page
REFRESH YOUR BROWSER TO ENSURE YOU ARE READING THE LATEST VERSION OF THIS PAGE. Latest news: Emergency planning resources: Florida's storm surge zones, evacuation routes and evacuation zones FEMA preparations update: Latest forecasts: FEMA press release: FEMA Warns Of Inland Flooding From Tropical Depression Ernesto WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that Ernesto still remains a threat and residents should be aware of inland flooding and other dangers after the storm passes. Federal and state officials remind people in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and other states along the East Coast to continue to monitor weather forecasts. “I want to stress the critical need for individuals to follow instructions from local officials, especially when issuing evacuation orders before, during and after the storm passes,” said FEMA Director David Paulison. “In recent decades, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half of all deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.” FEMA officials say the average person can be swept off their feet in 6 inches of moving water and the average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water. At least 23% of U.S. tropical cyclone deaths occur to people who drown in, or attempt to abandon, their cars. Director Paulison warned that many other dangers remain in a storm’s aftermath, including downed power lines, contaminated drinking water supply and floodwater that can contain sewage and chemicals. FEMA Rapid Needs Assessment teams stand ready to move into potentially flooded areas to identify damage to infrastructure and private property. FEMA continues to closely monitor Ernesto with the Hurricane Liaison Team at the National Hurricane Center and continues to coordinate with state and local officials. FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. FEMA press release: FEMA Prepares For Tropical Storm Ernesto Landfall WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready and supporting state officials as they prepare for Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2006 hurricane season. FEMA continues to closely monitor the storm with the Hurricane Liaison Team at the National Hurricane Center and is coordinating with state and local officials as they make decisions for their communities on evacuations and response activities. FEMA preparations include: - Engaging with governors and state emergency managers in the anticipated impact states to begin federal and state coordination. - Working with partners at the National Hurricane Center to anticipate the storm's landfall. - Mobilizing trucks with food, water and ice for the potentially affected areas. - Activating and deploying response teams to staging areas in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, including Federal Incident Response Support Teams (FIRST), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and Urban Search and Rescue Teams. In addition, disaster supplies have been pre-positioned throughout Southeastern states including: 41 Pre-Positioned Disaster Supply units in place across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. Each 250-person unit contains a 5-kw generator, folding cots, blankets, pillows, portable toilet with a privacy tent, personal hygiene kit, washcloths, first aid kit, CPR mask, halogen light set with cord, fire extinguisher, Tyvek coverall suit, Cyalume light stick, five-gallon gasoline can, wheelchair, home repair tool kit, and a hand truck. 344 truckloads of water staged in locations across the Southeast, including Homestead AFB, Orlando and Live Oak, Fla.; Robins AFB in Georgia; Purvis, Miss.; Fort Bragg, N.C., and McEntire Air National Guard Station in S.C. Each truck contains water to supply 5,000 people for one day. 300 truckloads of ice staged in Jacksonville, Winter Haven and Bartow, Fla. Each truckload of ice can sustain 5,000 people per day. 18 truckloads of MREs pre-staged at Homestead AFB in Fla. and in Purvis, MS. Each truckload can sustain 10,000 people per day. 44 truckloads of tarps and plastic sheeting also staged at Homestead AFB as well as Brooksville and Orlando, Fla., and Purvis, Miss. FEMA and its state partners in the Southeastern U.S. remind the public that individual and community preparedness is essential to an effective response, and that these pre-staged supplies do not supplant the need for individuals and families that could be affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto to have emergency supplies on hand. By taking simple steps to prepare, citizens allow authorities to focus efforts and resources to life-saving efforts and helping those who need it most. Individuals, families, and businesses should: Prepare emergency supply kits with food, water, battery operated radios and medicines to last up to a minimum of 72 hours. Pet owners also should ensure they have supplies and a plan for their pets. FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
•Date: 29th August 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: BC general |
