The best tactic to quickly recover after hurricane damage? Prepare now. “Identify your risks, have a plan and act today,” says FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
WASHINGTON – Heading into what is projected to be an above-average hurricane season, FEMA urges residents to prepare before the height of hurricane season.
“My message to the public is this: Identify your risks, have a plan and act today,” says FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Just because your area was not touched by a hurricane in the past few years, does not mean it will be spared this time around. I encourage everyone to download our new and improved FEMA mobile app and start making a plan today. But most importantly, pay attention to your local officials and emergency managers for guidance on when and if to evacuate.”
FEMA recently announced an update to its mobile app – in English and Spanish – to help users take charge of disasters. The app is available for iOS or Android. Visit the FEMA App webpage for additional information.
Disasters can be expensive, but preparedness doesn’t need to be. Anyone can visit Ready.gov, or the Spanish version Listo.gov, for tips and resources in their preparedness actions. The Ready.gov/hurricane page also gives specific guidance to prepare for tropical systems.
FEMA’s Ready Campaign recently published a low and no-cost preparedness webpage with tips to help preparedness for a variety of disasters and emergencies, including:
- Building your emergency supply kit over time, starting with items you may already have in your home – like a flashlight, extra batteries, copies of important documents, water and non-perishable food.
- Talking with family or members of your household about where you will go if told to evacuate.
- Storing important documents and items like passports, birth certificates, maps and electronics in a flood-safe place, like a high shelf or upper floor in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help waterproof them.
FEMA says it’s updating its Text-to-Shelter feature this year. When there’s an evacuation order issued, users can text “shelter” and their ZIP code to 43362 for a list of nearby shelter locations.
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