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Five years ago, three back-to-back hurricanes caused major devastation across six Southern states and two U.S. territories. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria took lives and caused property loss and damage to critical infrastructure. For each of these disasters, FEMA answered the call to respond and help residents and communities recover and rebuild.

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FEMA recently held a virtual disaster preparedness brief with a cross section of national faith-based and community organizations to reinforce our commitment to working with these leaders who build and strengthen underserved communities. This event was an opportunity to connect on how the agency’s work can help advance a people first approach to disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

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FEMA and SCRI held the first Save Your Family Treasures class at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute designed to train our specialists on techniques that the public can use to save water-damaged items.

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This summer many parts of the country have endured temperatures soaring above 90 degrees for periods lasting several days. When this happens, the heat and humidity you may experience is known as extreme heat.

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During an evacuation, it’s important to consider each family member’s needs. Disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways, both visible and invisible. Having a plan BEFORE a disaster happens can eliminate potential stress or barriers for you or your family member with a disability.

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This summer it’s possible your household will lose power. Above average temperatures are causing extreme heat and drought, which has elevated the risk of power outages throughout the country.

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Office of Disability Integration and Coordination Acting Director Jason Lagria shares how the Americans with Disabilities Act has reinforced our commitment to serving people before, during and after disasters.

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Around the country, emergency responders and fire/rescue departments rescue people from disasters large and small. From a single collapsed building to major disasters, these responders locate and extricate survivors and victims while providing on the ground situational awareness to all responding agencies. This helps local resources coordinate with state, federal and tribal authorities to get help as quickly as possible to where it is needed the most.

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Senior Advisor for the Office of Response and Recovery Mike Plostock shares his experience responding after the Surfside Collapse.

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Jamie Casterton is a Public Affairs Specialist at FEMA Region 8. She joined the agency in November 2018 and have been with our regional office in Denver, Colorado since May 2020.

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