Homeland Security Urges Preparedness For Hurricane Season
Release Date: May 17, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-075
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With top weather forecasters predicting above average activity for the Atlantic hurricane season in 2004, Department of Homeland Security officials are urging residents to take the time now to prepare for these dangerous storms.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said, "The best defense is knowing what to do to mitigate against the damage caused by the devastating effects of tropical weather. Homeland Security's Ready.gov and FEMA.gov websites provide citizens practical information on all hazards, including hurricanes and tropical storms."
Preparedness is key, and the 'Be Ready' campaign with the Ready.gov website and its Spanish language version Listo.gov prompts citizens to take the initiative to 'make a kit,' 'make a plan' and 'get informed' for hurricane season, and for all hazards.
"As a cornerstone of Homeland Security, FEMA remains as prepared as ever to respond to the threats associated with hurricanes and tropical storms," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, at a NOAA press conference in Houston to kick off National Hurricane Preparedness Week. "FEMA also will continue to maintain our all-hazards approach in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters of all kind."
This week, May 16-22, marks National Hurricane Preparedness Week according to a proclamation signed by President George W. Bush to encourage the country to take steps to limit the vulnerability and to be aware of the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Another key point being stressed by Homeland Security officials this year is the threat of flooding that comes from tropical disturbances. Each year, hurricanes bring flooding to communities up to hundreds of miles from the coast, with some of the greatest rainfall amounts occurring from weaker storms that stall over an area.
"FEMA recently began a new outreach campaign called FloodSmart aimed at better educating consumers about flooding risks, as well as the facts and the importance of purchasing flood insurance," said Brown.
Officials point out the key thing for consumers to be aware of is that homeowners insurance does not cover floods. Only flood insurance protects you against flood damage. In addition, because it takes 30 days after the purchase of a flood insurance policy for it to take effect, consumers should research their flood risk and purchase flood insurance now.
Key points on the floodsmart.gov web site will show consumers how to learn about their risk to flooding, ways to protect their property and how to get flood insurance.
Homeland Security and FEMA officials urged Gulf and Atlantic coast states to be prepared this active hurricane season, which runs Jun. 1 through Nov. 30.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-May-2004 09:59:26