RALEIGH, N.C. -- Hurricane Irene survivors can get free advice on making structures more resistant to storms when specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are in Hampstead, Jacksonville and Wilmington Thursday, Nov. 10, through Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Hazard mitigation specialists will be at:

Pender County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
106 Wilkes Lane
Hampstead, NC 28443

Onslow County
Home Depot
479 Western Blvd. (Hwy 17)
Jacksonville, NC 28546

New Hanover County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
191 Porters Neck Road
Wilmington, NC 28411
Hours are 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday.

Mitigation is any action taken to reduce the loss of life or loss or damage to property caused by disasters. Mitigation measures may reduce mold and mildew and protect electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances. They also reinforce structures against high wind, flood and fire and they secure personal property.

The mitigation teams also will have free reference booklets in English and Spanish, including:

• Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now
• Protecting Your Home From Flood Damage
• Help After a Disaster
• Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home

Information about strengthening property can be downloaded at www.fema.gov/rebuild.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.