Federal Government Readies For Hurricane Wilma

FEMA Urges Preparedness WASHINGTON, D.C. The Department of Homeland Security is urging residents in Florida and along the Gulf Coast to pay close attention to the guidance of state and local officials and make preparations now. A top priority going into the weekend is that residents of Florida and the Gulf Coast are watching the progress of the storm and listening very closely to the instructions of state and local officials, said David Paulison, acting Director for FEMA. While Hurricane Wilma has slowed down, it is still a strong storm, and people should take this opportunity to make sure they are preparing their homes and families for this storm. FEMA stands ready to support Hurricane Wilma response in any way that may be needed. FEMA is pre-positioning supplies and commodities in the surrounding areas of potential landfall, if needed by state and local authorities. Federal hurricane preparedness measures and other potential federal support, if needed, are outlined below. * The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deployed a team to monitor the storms progress and coordinate federal activity. The Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC) in Washington, D.C., is in constant communication with regional and national operations centers to maintain complete situational awareness. Homeland Security components are providing further support. * FEMA is pre-positioning over three hundred truckloads of water, ice and meals at Homestead Air Force Base and the Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida to be distributed at the request of the state. FEMA has logistics centers located around the country to pull additional resources if needed. * Four Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams and one Incident Support Team are deployed to pre-stage in Miami and Orlando. Two teams are on alert at their home bases. * Nine Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) are deployed to pre-stage in Orlando. Nine more National Disaster Medical System teams are on alert at their home bases. * Communications support equipment, tower trailers, computers, cell phones, and a Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicle are being moved into the region. Three Mobile Emergency Response Systems (MERS) communication teams are ready to support coordination and response activity in Atlanta, Tallahassee and Orlando. * The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting C-130 over flights ahead of the storm looking for mariners in harms way, broadcasting radio warnings alerting mariners of the storms approach, and directing that port facilities in the storm's projected path implement their hurricane preparedness plans. Additionally, the Coast Guard is pre-staging aircraft and cutters for immediate response into the area after the storm passes, placed its environmental response and deployable security teams on standby, and dispatched liaison personnel to the Florida state emergency operations center in Tallahassee and the FEMA command center in Atlanta. * U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is relocating 1200 detainees from Florida to Arizona and Texas as a precaution for the safety and security of all detainees and ICE personnel. Nearly 50 Federal Protective Service personnel will pre-position to provide protection for federal assets, such as federal buildings and courthouses. They stand ready to provide law enforcement and security support if needed. * The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing public service announcements about food safety to help minimize the potential for food-borne illnesses due to power outages or flooding. Satellite feeds are available through the Department of Agriculture. * The U.S. Department of Defense has deployed Defense Coordinating Officers and a Defense Coordinating Element to the Florida state emergency operations center as well as NORTHCOM planners to FEMA national headquarters. DOD has provided eight helicopters for the potential evacuation of citizens or transport of equipment and seven communications teams. * The U.S. Department of Energy has sent staff to FEMAs Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Atlanta, and their visualization and modeling team is prepared for Hurricane Wilmas arrival. * The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has 1000 beds prepared for deployment in case Florida requests use of Federal Medical Shelters (FMS). An additional 1000 beds are readily available. The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps has placed a clinical strike team of healthcare professionals on alert. The HHS volunteer program has credentialed more than 200 physicians and 400 registered nurses ready to be deployed if needed. The Strategic National Stockpile maintains substantial quantities of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies ready for quick shipment if needed. * The U.S. Department of State has issued warnings to American citizens to avoid travel to or depart from parts of Mexico and from Cuba where the hurricane is predicted to hit. The Department of State has also approved departure for non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba. * The U.S. Department of Transportation has provided 89 power units and trucks to transport 89 loads of commodities. Transportations Federal Highway Administration is currently conducting planning calls with their Evacuation Liaison Team in case assistance is needed by the state. * The Environmental Protection Agency has pre-deployed personnel to regional coordination centers and is identifying On-Scene Coordinators to support local hurricane response. * The Federal Bureau of Investigation field offices in Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville are operating 24 hours a day and are prepared for requests for law enforcement assistance as needed. * The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation advises banking customers and bankers who may be affected by the hurricane and in need of up-to-date banking information to call the FDICs 24-hour hotline, 1-877-ASK-FDIC. * The General Services Administrations USA Services Program stands ready to provide citizens with access accurate answers via phone and on the web. Contingency plans are in place to ensure uninterrupted service from the National Contact Center, 1-800-FED-INFO. FirstGov.gov has updated resources tracking the course of Hurricane Wilma and providing emergency preparedness information. * The American Red Cross has relief supplies and personnel pre-positioned throughout Florida ready to respond. Individual Preparedness Following is a list of actions that individuals should undertake and supplies to gather before Wilmas anticipated landfall. Before a Hurricane Strikes: Plan a safe evacuation route and identify safe shelter space within your area. Those in storm surge zones, in flood zones, or in less than standard housing should be especially vigilant in preparing disaster plans. Have disaster supplies on hand, including: * Nonperishable food and water (including a non-electric can opener) * Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries * First-aid kit * Essential prescription medicines * Cash and credit cards * Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing * Copies of important papers (bank statements, insurance records, identification cards, etc.) When a Hurricane Watch or Warning is Issued: * Listen to hurricane progress reports. Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate. * Check your emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and available cooking pots. * Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed. * Secure your home by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood. * Trim dead branches from trees. * Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities. * Fuel your car. Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supply kit. * Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container. * Review your family disaster plan. If You Are Told To Evacuate: * Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. * Secure your home. Unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve. If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor. * Take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing. Water Safety Tips: * Stay off the water. The Coast Guard's search and rescue capabilities and degraded as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters are urged to heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories. People should not go out on their boats 48 hours prior to and at least 72-96 hours after a hurricane has passed through an area. * Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed to these evacuation orders. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm. * Secure your belongings. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. · Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by Wilma Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. For more information on emergency preparedness, please visit www.ready.gov or www.fema.gov.