FEMA ADMINISTRATOR URGES PREPAREDNESS FOR 2022 ATLANTIC HURRICANE
SEASON, ADMINISTRATOR CRISWELL ANNOUNCES NATIONAL BUILDING CODES
INITIATIVE WITH WHITE HOUSE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20220602/fema-administrator-urges-preparedness-2022-atlantic-hurricane-season]


Release Date: 
Jen 1, 2022 

WASHINGTON -- June 1 officially marks the beginning of the Atlantic
hurricane season, and according to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s 2022 outlook it will be another active
season.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed the importance of taking
preparedness measures early while at the National Hurricane Center in
Miami earlier today.

“While it is FEMA’s goal to lead the nation, to set the
example for the level readiness and preparedness we need to see for
this hurricane season -- we can’t do this without you. Please
don’t wait -- act now. Visit Ready.gov to make your emergency plan
today,” said Administrator Criswell.

Criswell emphasized that now is the time to prepare your home and your
family, because it only takes one storm to devastate a community.
Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem and can affect inland
communities.

Consider these actions to start your preparedness today:

 	* Visit Ready.gov [https://www.ready.gov/] to learn about how to
prepare for disasters that might happen where you live, work or visit.
You’ll get information for individuals, individuals with
disabilities, families, kids, pets and businesses on how to prepare
for or what to do in case of a severe storm this hurricane season.
 	* Build an emergency kit [https://www.ready.gov/kit]. If you live
in Hawai’i, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, consider having
supplies to last at least 10 days.
 	* You can also download the free FEMA App
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages] to
receive weather alerts and warnings for up to five different locations
in the United States.
 	* Visit Ready.gov/hurricanes
[https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes] for the latest information on
being prepared for this hurricane season.
 	* FEMA recently updated the agency’s text to shelter feature. In
the event of an evacuation, you can text 43362 to research emergency
shelters in your location.

Following her visit to the National Hurricane Center, Criswell
visited Florida International University’s Wall of Wind
[https://cee.fiu.edu/research/facilities/wall-of-wind] to announce
the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Initiative to Advance
Building Codes
[https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/01/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-initiative-to-modernize-building-codes-improve-climate-resilience-and-reduce-energy-costs/].
The national initiative will help ensure that federally funded
structures whether new or rehabilitated, are strong enough to
withstand the frequency, strength and severity of extreme weather
events.

“The National Institute of Building Sciences reports that the
adoption of hazard resistant building codes saves communities $11 per
every $1 invested,” Criswell said. “By modernizing building codes,
we will not only save money by protecting people’s property and
lowering energy costs, but we will also protect people’s lives by
making our infrastructure more resilient to severe weather and the
impacts of climate change. This critical initiative underscores the
Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to achieving these
objectives by bolstering the adoption of the latest, current building
codes and standards across this nation.”

In April, FEMA released the agency’s “Building Codes Strategy
[https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/building-codes-strategy]”
to organize and prioritize FEMA activities to advance the adoption and
enforcement of hazard-resist building codes and standards for agency
programs.

 [FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell conducts media interviews at the
National Hurricane Center to promote hurricane readiness. The
Administrator stressed the importance of taking preparedness measures
early. ] 
 

MIAMI -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell conducts media interviews
at the National Hurricane Center to promote hurricane readiness. The
Administrator stressed the importance of taking preparedness measures
early. (FEMA photo by Graham Haynes)

 [FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks at the National Hurricane
Center to promote hurricane readiness. The Administrator stressed the
importance of taking preparedness measures early. ] 
MIAMI -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks at the National
Hurricane Center to promote hurricane readiness. The Administrator
stressed the importance of taking preparedness measures early. (FEMA
photo by Graham Haynes)