Federal Government Prepares for Tropical Storm Ophelia, Homeland Security Calls Citizen Preparedness Crucial

Release Date: 09/12/05 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
September 12, 2005

Federal, state and local officials have pre-positioned water, ice, and other emergency relief supplies in strategic locations in anticipation of Tropical Storm Ophelia’s landfall on the east coast. At the same time, government officials also are urging residents in the southeastern coastal area to monitor the storm's progress, to make preparations for themselves and their families now, and to listen to the instructions of local officials.

Hundreds of trailers of water and ice and dozens of trailers of meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) are pre-positioned today in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to address the potential effects of Tropical Storm Ophelia along the mid-Atlantic coastline, if needed by the states. Three Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, six Urban Search and Rescue Teams, and various other expert and medical personnel are activated and prepared to provide services if necessary. Numerous federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and others stand ready to provide support if needed.

These commodities and personnel are positioned as closely as possible to potentially affected areas while ensuring their safety during the storm. Following the storm, they are in close proximity to be distributed or deployed to affected areas quickly if they are needed to supplement the state’s resources. The federal government is coordinating closely with state and local officials and emergency management personnel to maximize readiness and response efforts and to provide any assistance requested by the states.

Individual preparedness is crucial for citizens and their families before a storm, and residents should be prepared with 72 hours of supplies. Following is a list of actions that individuals should undertake and supplies to gather before Ophelia's anticipated landfall early tomorrow.

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.

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This page was last modified on 09/12/05 00:00:00