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Private Sector Advisory
FEMA Urges Residents in Dorian’s Path to Listen to Local Officials
“We’re working with federal, state, tribal and local partners but we need people to do their part. Be prepared for what Dorian can do.” – FEMA Acting Administrator Pete Gaynor
September 4, 2019
- Dorian is bringing life-threatening storm surge and high winds to Florida. Even without a landfall, there will be impacts and potential for damage along the East Coast. Areas in Georgia and the Carolinas remain at risk as the storm continues northward.
- Those who have time to finalize preparations and move to safer areas should do so as advised by state, local, and tribal officials.
- As the storm passes, the public is advised to stay out of floodwaters – TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!. Residents who evacuated should remain where they are until local officials advise that it is safe to return.
- FEMA has resources staged throughout the affected areas to provide support to states and tribes, if needed.
Follow Instructions of Officials in Georgia and the Carolinas:
- Don’t just focus on the center of the track; high wind, heavy rains and storm surge can bring down trees and knock out power in both inland and coastal areas.
- Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are in effect along the coastal areas of Georgia and the Carolinas. If you are under voluntary evacuation orders and are in a low-lying area, get out now.
- All shelters managed by the Red Cross are accessible for people who have disabilities.
- Medical shelters are open in North and South Carolina for those who need medical care. Medical shelters will open in other areas if needed.
- Your state and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations:
- If told to evacuate, evacuate. Fill your gas tank, know your evacuation zones and routes, and stock your vehicle with emergency supplies for all family members including infants, toddlers and older adults.
- Visit FEMA.gov/Hurricane-Dorian for additional tips and resources before, during and after the storm. You can also download the FEMA app (in English or Spanish) for shelters, a checklist of emergency supplies, survival tips and weather alerts.
Florida Residents, Don’t Return Until It’s Safe to Do So:
- If you live in Florida and evacuated for Hurricane Dorian, do not return until told it is safe to do so by local authorities.
- Though some evacuation orders have been lifted, continue to follow local officials’ direction. Mandatory evacuations remain in effect in some areas as Dorian moves along Florida’s east coast.
- The potential for flooding from Dorian remains a concern. Remember: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Check in with your neighbors when it is safe to do so.
- Photograph or take a video of any damage before you start cleaning up. If your property was damaged, contact your insurance company and file a claim.
FEMA and Partners Ready to Support:
- FEMA is maintaining a robust and flexible posture to support response efforts in multiple states, with staff deployed and ready to respond from Florida to the Carolinas.
- The response to Dorian includes the whole of government and the whole community. This is a team effort that includes state, tribal and local governments, private sector partners and non-governmental organizations like The Salvation Army and American Red Cross.
- FEMA has staging areas throughout the Southeast stocked with food, water and other commodities. Teams are in place to support local, state and tribal response needs, as requested.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers positioned debris clearance staff and temporary power teams in FL, GA, SC and NC.
- The Red Cross is coordinating to support evacuation centers with over 1,900 trained volunteers, 110 response vehicles, and 104 tractor-trailer loads full of supplies.
- The Salvation Army remains ready with 75 mobile kitchens across the Southeast.
Declarations:
- On Tuesday, Sept. 3, President Trump approved North Carolina’s request for an Emergency Declaration allowing direct federal assistance for emergency and life-safety actions taken. The declaration includes all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- President Trump has also approved Emergency Declarations for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, including the Catawba Indian Nation, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
U.S. Aid to the Bahamas:
- At the request of the Bahamian government, the United States is providing humanitarian assistance. USAID has deployed a disaster response team to the Bahamas to lead the federal coordination of the U.S. government’s response on the ground.
- USAID is airlifting commodities and provided initial funding to meet needs on the ground.
- The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with the Department of State, has a mutual aid agreement with the Bahamas and is assisting with search and rescue missions.
- The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are in the Bahamas assisting 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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