FEMA Preparing To Aid After Isaac

August 26, 2012

[ATLANTA ] FEMA and its federal partners are continuing to monitor Isaac and coordinate with local officials and emergency management partners in Florida and other Gulf Coast states.

On Thursday, FEMA deployed a liaison to the Florida emergency operations center to assist the state with coordination and any potential requests for assistance. Other teams have been identified and will be mobilized as needed and requested.

By Saturday, FEMA had moved 18-wheelers with commodities from a logistics center in Atlanta to a staging area in Jacksonville. The trucks are full of cots, food and water that can support the state and local response efforts as needed.

FEMA has distribution centers in Atlanta, Ga., and Denton, Texas, and in coordination with U.S. Northern Command, has prepositioned supplies closer to potentially affected areas if needed. At all times, FEMA maintains commodities including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets, strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, to support states if needed and requested.

“As Tropical Storm Isaac moves closer to Florida, local residents need to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “FEMA and its federal partners remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments across the Southeast as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to move out of the Caribbean. Residents in this area should make sure to listen to local officials for updates and information. Check your family plans and emergency supplies, review your evacuation routes and remember that evacuation orders come from local officials.”

While storms are unpredictable, FEMA encourages those in the possible path of the storm to prepare now. This includes putting together a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit. Having a kit can help area residents better weather the storm.

Pictured top: These forklift operators are loading meals onto a truck at the Atlanta Distribution Center to be shipped closer to areas that may be impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac. FEMA moves commodities and equipment before the storm arrives to ensure quick delivery after the storm has passed. Pictured inset: Generators loaded and ready for Isaac response. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News