 |
READY Campaign - Department of Homeland Security
Press Release
September 5, 2008
DHS’ READY CAMPAIGN PROVIDES TOOLS FOR COASTAL RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign advises residents along the East Coast to “be prepared” for the possibility of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and power outages. As Tropical Storm Hanna makes landfall and Hurricane Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine move across the Atlantic, Ready encourages residents to have an emergency supply kit, a family emergency plan and to be informed on the conditions in their area by listening to what local authorities are advising.
“Americans did not see dramatic images of search and rescue activity with Hurricane Gustav because Louisianans were prepared and heeded the instructions of local officials by evacuating,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “We now ask the same of the residents in likely impacted areas for Hanna and Ike by making sure they are prepared with basic essentials to sustain themselves for up 72 hours, and listening to guidance from local authorities.”
Hurricanes often produce high winds, tornadoes, large amounts of rain and power outages that affect citizens for hours or even days after the initial storm has passed, as seen with Hurricane Gustav. Therefore, it is important for residents to know what identifies a hurricane.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Scale Number
(Category) |
Sustained Winds (MPH) |
Damage |
Storm Surge |
1 |
74-95 |
Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs |
4-5 feet |
2 |
96-110 |
Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding |
6-8 feet |
3 |
111-130 |
Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. |
9-12 feet |
4 |
131-150 |
Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded. |
13-18 feet |
5 |
More than 150 |
Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded |
Greater than 18 feet |
It is also important for residents to know the difference between a WATCH and WARNING:
- Watch: Storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
- Warning: Storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Ready’s Web site, www.ready.gov, is a free resource where individuals can find an emergency supply checklist (www.ready.gov/america/getakit/kit-print.html), download an emergency plan (www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/familyemergencyplan.pdf) and link to local information. Ready also has resources and tools available on its Web site to help business owners ensure their business plans stay up and running, talk to their employees and protect their assets. For information in Spanish, visit www.listo.gov. Individuals can also call 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO for more emergency preparedness information.
visit www.ready.gov.
^Top
| |
