FEMA Urges Hurricane Safety Measures as 2005 Season Approaches

With the start of the 2005 hurricane season just days away and an anticipated above normal storm season, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is reminding citizens in hurricane prone states to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

“It is important that residents take the necessary measures to prepare their household disaster plan and assemble a supply kit now,” said Under Secretary of Homeland Security for FEMA, Michael Brown. “With the anticipated level of hurricane activity this season, it is critical that those living in hurricane-prone states take actions now to help prevent the loss of life and property.”

A recent poll found that a fourth of the people in the 12 east and Gulf Coast hurricane-prone states are doing nothing to prepare for the next hurricane that could hit their area. FEMA urges all Americans to take time to prepare for the next hurricane, now. The three main steps to disaster preparedness are: make a plan, make a kit, and get informed. These simple steps are vital to guarding against injury to life and property that could come from the effects of a hurricane or any disaster.

FEMA has additional valuable hurricane preparedness information available at www.fema.gov/media, including how to prepare a “go kit” and how to hurricane-proof a home. Radio public service announcements are available for download from this site, and radio and television public service announcements may be requested by e-mailing: fema-studio@dhs.gov. The “Are You Ready” guide is available for downloading in both English and Spanish or you may call FEMA toll free at 1-800-480-2520 for your free copy. To get a list of what contents should make up one’s disaster supply kit, visit www.ready.gov.

Americans living further inland may not realize they could also be at risk from the effects of a hurricane if living on a flood plain or in a flood vulnerable area. Every state is at risk for flooding and homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a way to financially prepare for floods. To learn more about one’s risk and flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call (800) 427-4219.