For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
MIAMI — Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson traveled to Miami where he visited the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center to discuss continued efforts to prepare for hurricane season, and met with U.S. Coast Guard District Seven leadership.
At the National Hurricane Center, Secretary Johnson was joined by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate and National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Richard Knabb where he was briefed on coordination between FEMA and the National Weather Service, viewed NHC operations and a demonstration of new mapping technology used to predict potential storm surge flooding during hurricanes. During their meetings, Secretary Johnson highlighted the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to enhance preparedness at all levels of government and the ongoing commitment to assist communities and first responders better prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.
As the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, Hurricane Arthur served as a reminder for residents in hurricane-prone areas to know their evacuation zone and to follow the directions of state, tribal and local officials if evacuations are ordered for their area. DHS, together with FEMA, encourages everyone regardless of whether they live in a hurricane-prone area to take steps to ensure their families, homes and businesses are prepared for a possible emergency. Visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov for tips on creating your family emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit.
Following his visit to the National Hurricane Center, Secretary Johnson met with U.S. Coast Guard District Seven leadership to review offshore interdiction and non-compliant vessel operations and discuss U.S. Coast Guard patrol missions and search and rescue operations throughout the region.
Tomorrow in Miami, Secretary Johnson will meet with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) leadership. He will then travel to Guatemala with SOUTHCOM Commander General John Kelly and Counselor to the Department of State Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon to participate in meetings with the Government of Guatemala to discuss issues of mutual concern, including the ongoing government-wide response to the influx of adults, families, and unaccompanied children across the southwest border.
For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.
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