Preparedness

August 15, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tropical Storm Dean gathers strength in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Erin in the Gulf threatens the coast of Texas and Hurricane Flossie once a threat to Hawaii weakens. With the peak of hurricane season squarely upon us, it’s time for individuals to review their personal preparedness plans and ready their disaster supply kits.    » read more »

Flood Map Modernization Program charged with ignoring new research data that will make flood maps more accurate

August 15, 2007 -- WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to explain why it is not incorporating the affects of climate change into its map modernization program. The Senator also expressed disappointment at the fact that FEMA’s flood map program does not employ a single staffer with global warming expertise.    » read more »

August 13, 2007 -- The severe weather experienced this summer in parts of the country, and the continuing threat of terrorism, are reminders of how critical it is for all Americans to prepare for emergencies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign has released three new demonstration videos designed to highlight the specific steps older Americans, individuals with disabilities and special needs, and pet owners should take to prepare for emergencies.    » read more »

National Hurricane Center slightly lowers storms forecast but still predicts above average season for major hurricanes; Roberts reminds the Ocean State that “it only takes one” major hurricane to cause catastrophic damage

WOONSOCKET— Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, chairwoman of the Emergency Management Advisory Council, urged Rhode Islanders to continue to be prepared for a major hurricane after the National Hurricane Center slightly lowered its forecast for the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, but continued its predictions for the number of major storms.    » read more »

Mission to Improve Flood Response and Mitigation Efforts

August 9, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced the signing of legislation creating a task force to study ways to manage and mitigate flooding throughout New York’s canal system.    » read more »

Jul 12, 2007 -- The Department of the Army announced today, July 12, the completion of the provision of nearly 2,600 pieces of equipment requested by seven states and three territories in hurricane-prone areas of the United States in anticipation of possible needs this storm season. The last items to be delivered - eight flat bed trailers - arrived in Puerto Rico last week. States requested and received a variety of equipment, from transportation to communications gear. Much of this equipment will remain permanently with these states.    » read more »

7/13/2007 -- (HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation held a news conference and a demonstration on defensible space today in Missoula.

“The one most likely to save your house in a wildfire is you,’ said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “There are easy things you can do that will make a difference in the safety of your home.”    » read more »

Jul 13, 2007 -- LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe today approved the release of more than $1.7 million from his Hazard Mitigation Fund to provide matching funds for infrastructure projects in nine Arkansas counties and to reimburse Arkansans who qualify for the Arkansas Safe Shelter Program.    » read more »

Nevada senators discuss firefighting efforts and wildfire prevention

July 11, 2007 -- Washington D.C. — U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign of Nevada met with Gail Kimbell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, to discuss current fires burning in Nevada and recovery efforts following the Angora fire near Lake Tahoe.    » read more »

July 10, 2007 -- OLYMPIA - Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today joined with the Washington Department of Health and the American Red Cross to encourage all Washingtonians to take necessary steps to prepare for excessive heat and to help their neighbors, family and friends who may be more vulnerable to extreme temperatures.    » read more »

The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge.

July 12, 2007 -- Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide. This can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the normal high tides.    » read more »

Company Will Deploy Mobile Response Equipment for 2007 Hurricane Season

July 9, 2007 -- (JACKSON, Mississippi) – Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour announced today the State of Mississippi and Motorola, Inc. have signed a contract for the development and deployment of a statewide interoperable emergency communications voice and radio network.    » read more »

Governor Perry Activates Additional State Resources

Jul. 05, 2007 -- AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry has activated additional state resources as severe weather events continue to threaten Texas communities. Numerous state resources were already deployed in response to major weather events that have impacted areas from the Oklahoma border to the Rio Grande Valley and the state will continue to provide necessary assistance as requested by local officials.    » read more »

June 27, 2007 -- BILOXI, MS—Speaking to a group of emergency management officials, law enforcement, and first responders at the Second Annual Alabama/Mississippi Hurricane Conference on Wednesday, Alabama Governor Bob Riley stressed the importance of preparation in the event of a major hurricane.    » read more »

Jun. 27, 2007 -- AUSTIN – Texas Governor Rick Perry has activated Texas Military Forces and deployed state resources to respond to major weather events stretching from the Oklahoma border to the Rio Grande Valley. The governor gave approval for pre-positioning of state resources last week in anticipation of major weather events including torrential rains and flooding throughout the entire state. These areas include Alliance Airport, Austin, Denton, Eastland, Gainesville, San Antonio, Sherman, Waco and Weslaco.    » read more »