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FEMA Urges Residents in Dorian’s Path to Finalize Preparations

 

Private Sector Update

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Private Sector Advisory

FEMA Urges Residents in Dorian’s Path to Finalize Preparations

September 3, 2019

“Don’t tough it out. Get out. Save your life. Save the life of your family. Make the smart choice today because the clock is ticking.” Acting FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor

  • Even though the storm’s category changed overnight, Dorian is still expected to bring life-threatening storm surge and high winds from Florida to the Carolinas over the next few days. Even without a landfall, there may be significant impacts and damage along the East Coast.
  • Don’t tough it out, get out! Mandatory evacuations are in place in parts of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. 
  • Be prepared to evacuate if you haven’t already. Fill your gas tank, know your evacuation zones and routes, and stock your vehicle with emergency supplies for several days, including: including water and food, prescriptions, first aid products and toiletries.
  • Hurricane Dorian is a big storm, and federal, state and tribal governments are prepared for a big response. FEMA and our partners have resources from South Florida to North Carolina to be ready to respond to state requests for support.
  • Download the FEMA app (in English or Spanish) for directions to shelters, a checklist of emergency supplies, survival tips and weather alerts.
  • Visit FEMA.gov/Hurricane-Dorian for additional tips, information and resources useful before, during and after the storm.

 FLORIDA RESIDENTS: EVACUATE OR SHELTER IN PLACE AND STAY SAFE

  • Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds will begin impacting Florida today. Monitor media reports and follow the direction of your local officials.
  • Flooding is a key risk with this storm. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
  • Florida has issued mandatory evacuation orders for a number of counties along its east coast as well as voluntary or phased evacuation orders for several additional counties.

 GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND NORTH CAROLINA: FINALIZE YOUR PLANS AND PREPARATIONS NOW 

  • This is a slow moving and powerful hurricane that can change rapidly – continue to pay attention to Dorian’s forecast. Don’t just focus on the center of the track as only a slight deviation of the forecast could bring Dorian even closer to the coastline. 
  • Residents in Georgia and the Carolinas should be completing preparedness efforts and following the guidance from officials in your area.
  • Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are in effect Georgia and the Carolinas. Your state and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations:

FEMA AND PARTNERS POSITIONED FOR ROBUST, FLEXIBLE RESPONSE

  • FEMA is maintaining a robust and flexible posture to support response efforts in multiple states.  This is a team effort that includes private partners and non-governmental organizations like The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.
  • FEMA has staging areas throughout the Southeast: Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany in Georgia, Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina.   
  • The Red Cross is coordinating to support evacuation centers with over 1,600 trained volunteers, 110 response vehicles, and 99 tractor-trailer loads full of supplies.
  • The Salvation Army is ready with more than 70 mobile kitchens from eight states.

DECLARATIONS

  • North Carolina Governor Ray Cooper requested an emergency declaration as a result of Hurricane Dorian beginning on Sept. 1. The request is pending.
  • President Trump approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, including the Catawba Indian Nation, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

U.S. AID TO THE BAHAMAS

  • DHS and FEMA leadership are closely monitoring the situation in the Bahamas and remain in coordination with leadership from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • USAID is in contact with the government of the Bahamas to determine immediate needs.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the Department of State, has a mutual aid agreement with the Bahamas to provide resources and assist in search and rescue missions.
  • The American Red Cross has resources and staff in place in the Bahamas and stands ready to assist survivors with emergency sheltering and other immediate needs.

Please help support FEMA’s mission of “Helping people before, during and after disasters.”

Download the FEMA App to locate and get directions to open shelters across the state, and receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

 Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.twitter.com/FEMAespanol, https://www.facebook.com/FEMA, www.facebook.com/FEMAespanol and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Acting Administrator Pete Gaynor’s activities @FEMA_Pete. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security · www.dhs.gov · 202-282-8000