Congressman Michael Bilirakis Congressman Michael Bilirakis.  Proudly representing the people of the 9th Congressional District of Florida
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Planning Ahead for Hurricane Season

June 6, 2006
 
The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" never rings more true than when we witness destruction caused by natural disasters. June 1 marks the beginning of the 2006 hurricane season.  Preparing our homes for potential disasters is a key component for a faster recovery from hurricanes or natural catastrophes.

Last year, Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history, caused catastrophic wind damage and flooding in several states. After reviewing the extensive damage to the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent hurricanes Rita and Wilma, the federal government -- working in conjunction with state and local governments – aggressively began preparing for the 2006 hurricane season.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are spearheading the federal government’s preparedness efforts with a renewed sense of commitment, improvement, and urgency.  DHS/FEMA is dramatically increasing the nation’s stockpiles of relief supplies, updating disaster plans, supporting state and local partners, and emphasizing individual and community preparedness. 

The most common threat to Florida is a hurricane which primarily produces two damaging forces: high winds and flooding. In preparation for the 2006 hurricane season, FEMA and Florida’s State Emergency Response Team (SERT) are urging Floridians to take steps to make their homes safer. Some measures to reduce the damage resulting from water and high winds are fairly simple and inexpensive; others will require a professional contractor licensed to work in a state, county or city.

Please keep in mind that home-strengthening measures are no guarantee that a home will not be damaged or even destroyed by a hurricane. As always, residents should evacuate immediately if told to do so by local authorities should a hurricane threaten the area. Riding out a hurricane in a weakened structure is dangerous.

FEMA has established a website (www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/howto/index) which provides suggestions on measures residents can take to protect themselves and their property and minimize damage. For example, at the beginning of hurricane season, everyone should check their supplies, replace batteries, and use food stocks on a rotating basis. Please take the time to review these suggestions and see which ones you can implement in order to prevent far more extensive damage. By preparing now, you and your family will be safer and better able to recover quickly from a natural disaster. Stay safe!

* For more information on how protect your home or business from hurricanes and other natural disasters, please visit FEMA’s mitigation website. The series can be viewed, downloaded and printed by logging onto www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/howto/index. Copies also may be ordered by calling 1-800-480-2520.

   
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