FEMA Blog

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. While the worst of the weather is beyond some areas on the East Coast, Sandy remains a very large storm system that continues to pose life-threatening hazards for coastal and inland areas including high winds, heavy rains, dangerous storm surge and flash flooding, and snow and cold weather hazards in some areas.
Some important safety reminders if you’re in an area that has been, or is still being, impacted by this storm:

• Continue to listen to your local officials – If you evacuated and are returning home, make sure local officials have deemed the area safe to return to.  If Sandy is still impacting your area and local officials give the order to evacuate, do so immediately.  
• Stay off the roads - Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• If your power is out, safely use a generator or candles - Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions.  If using candles, please use caution. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines - They may be live with deadly voltage.  Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Don’t drive or walk through flood waters – It only takes a small amount of water to move people or vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, don’t attempt to pass through water – turn around, don’t drown.  And if your home has flood water inside or around it, don’t walk or wade in it.  The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.

How to help those affected by Sandy

We’ve had a number of questions come in on our Facebook and Twitter accounts about how to help those who have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  A few pointers to remember:

• Cash is the most efficient method of donating – Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover.
• Volunteer or donate through a trusted organization – At the national level, many voluntary, faith-based and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. In addition to the national members, each state has its own list of voluntary organizations active in disasters.

Numerous blood drives have been canceled as a result of the storm and the Red Cross has a need for blood donations. To schedule a blood donation or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Here’s a video from President Obama reminding everyone how we can help those in need after a disaster:



Latest update on FEMA’s activities

Last night, the President declared major disasters for New York and New Jersey, making disaster assistance available to those in the heaviest hit areas affected by the storm.  Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the following counties in New York and New Jersey can begin applying for assistance by registering online or on your phone at www.DisasterAssistance.gov:

• Declared counties in New York: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk, & Queens.
• Declared counties in New Jersey: Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean & Union Counties

Those impacted can also apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

In addition to federal disaster assistance being available in several counties, states and localities and the American Red Cross continue to operate emergency shelters in many states.  You can search for open shelters by visiting the Red Cross website, downloading the FEMA smartphone app, or by texting the word “shelter” and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).  For example, if you’re searching for a shelter in the 01234 zip code, you would text Shelter 01234.

Finally, we continue to work closely with our emergency management partners and are embedded with state teams to support response efforts and assess unmet needs. Our priority focus remains on life-saving and life-sustaining activities.  Currently, more than 1,500 FEMA personnel are positioned along the East Coast working to support disaster preparedness and response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support.  Here are some details about our staff’s support:

• Twenty-eight teams comprised of 294 FEMA Corps members are pre-staged to support Sandy.
• Seven federal urban search and rescue task forces have been activated and are deploying in the Mid-Atlantic as needed and requested. 
• Fourteen Incident Management Assistance Teams
• Twelve liaison officers are positioned in state emergency operations centers along the East Coast supporting preparedness activities and ensure there are no unmet needs. 
• Ten Disability Integration Advisors supporting emergency management in ten states on current alert and warning, evacuation and sheltering needs and preparing for potential post-storm operations.

Please share these important safety reminders and we hope you’re taking every precaution to stay safe.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs


Washington, D.C., Oct. 28, 2012 -- President Barack Obama participates in a briefing with federal agency partners on preparations for Hurricane Sandy at FEMA's National Response Coordination Center. At right is FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

Hurricane Sandy continues to swirl closer to the coast, with impacts already being felt in several states as of Sunday afternoon.  At the direction of President Obama, FEMA continues to coordinate the federal government’s assistance and preparations for Hurricane Sandy.  Today, the President visited FEMA headquarters and received a briefing from federal, state, and local officials coordinating the preparation efforts.  He continued to direct Administrator Fugate to ensure the federal partners continue to bring all available resources to bear in supporting potentially affected areas.

If you are in the potentially impacted area, here are the key reminders right now:

• Follow the direction of local officials – if told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Make final preparations – If you’re further inland, now is the time to make final preparations.  Be ready for power outages and stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, medications, and other supplies.
• Know the forecast for your area – Sandy is a large storm with potential impacts from wind, coastal flooding, inland flooding, rain, and snow.  Listen to your NOAA weather radio and local news reports, or visit weather.gov for the conditions in your area.
• Check on your neighbor – make sure they’re ready too.

Key FEMA activities today

Earlier today, the President declared an emergency for the State of Maryland.  The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to provide assistance for required emergency measures to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety in the City of Baltimore and all counties in the State of Maryland.

Along with our federal partners, we remain in close coordination with states and tribal governments and continue to coordinate resources to provide support as needed. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaison officers have been deployed to potentially affected states along the East Coast.  Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) personnel and teams are in place or are en route to Delaware, the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania to support the states with secure and non-secure voice, video, and information services, operations, and logistics support to state response operations, and with any potential requests for assistance.

Here’s a brief recap of what FEMA and our federal partners have been doing:

• The American Red Cross mobilized hundreds of disaster workers, readying shelters and coordinating efforts with community partners in potentially affected states.  To find an open Red Cross shelter, download the Red Cross Hurricane app or visit www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.
• To support potential pre- and post storm hospital evacuations, in coordination with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through Emergency Support Function 8, FEMA has the capability to activate ambulance contracts to support state requirements to evacuate patients if needed and requested.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed temporary emergency power teams, consisting of planning and response teams and resource support staff to assist with critical infrastructure. 
• The Department of Energy continues to work with states and local partners to pre-mobilize storm and field personnel to assist in power restoration efforts. 
• FEMA and the Department of Defense are establishing Incident Support Bases in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to potentially impacted areas, should they be needed.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring the storm and will take steps to prepare and protect FAA facilities and equipment that are in the projected path of the storm, including control towers, radars and navigational aids. The FAA's top operational priority is to quickly re-establish air traffic service to support disaster relief efforts.

We will continue to provide updates on this blog about FEMA and the federal family’s preparations and response to Hurricane Sandy, and don’t forget to download the FEMA smartphone app for safety tips and open shelters.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs


Washington, D.C., Oct. 28, 2012 – El Presidente Barack Obama participa de una conferencia en conjunto con otras agencias federales en preparación para el Huracán Sandy en el Centro Nacional para Coordinación de Respuesta. A la derecha el Administrador de FEMA, Craig Fugate. Para más información sobre la visita del Presidente a FEMA visite el blog de la Casa Blanca.

El Huracán Sandy continúa su recorrido acercándose más a la Costa Este y ya su impacto se ha sentido en muchos estados desde la tarde domingo. Bajo la directiva del Presidente Obama, FEMA continúa coordinando la  asistencia federal y los preparativos para el Huracán Sandy. Hoy el Presidente Obama visitó las oficinas centrales de FEMA y recibió un reporte de coordinadores federales, estatales y oficiales locales de los esfuerzos de preparación.

El Presidente reitera su encomienda al Administrador Fugate para asegurar que todos los recursos federales disponibles estén utilizándose para apoyar las áreas que potencialmente pueden ser afectadas.

Si usted está dentro de las áreas potenciales de impacto, aquí están los recordatorios claves:

• Siga las instrucciones de los oficiales locales -  si le indican que debe desalojar, hágalo de inmediato.

• Haga las preparaciones finales – si usted vive más hacia el interior, es ahora el momento de realizar las preparaciones finales.  Este listo para tener interrupción o suspensión del servicio eléctrico, adquiera artículos de emergencia; alimentos no perecederos, agua, baterías,  medicamentos y otros suministros.

• Sepa los pronósticos para su área – Sandy es una gran tormenta con impacto potencial de viento, inundaciones costeras y tierra adentro, lluvia y nieve. Escuche en la radio NOAA y los reportes locales de noticias o visite  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/SJUTCPAT3+shtml/291227.shtml para las condiciones en su área.

• Investigue y Asegúrese que sus vecinos estén preparados también.

ACTIVIDADES CLAVES DE FEMA PARA EL DIA

En el día de hoy el Presidente declaró una emergencia para el estado de Maryland. La acción del Presidente autoriza a FEMA a coordinar  todos los esfuerzos de ayuda en desastre para proveer la asistencia requerida y tomar medidas de seguridad de emergencia para salvar vidas y proteger la propiedad, la salud pública y la seguridad en la ciudad de Baltimore y todos los municipios en el estado de Maryland.

FEMA y sus contrapartes federales se mantienen en estrecha coordinación con los estados y los gobiernos tribales y continúan coordinando los recursos para proveerles apoyo cuando sea necesario. En apoyo a las preparativos para la tormenta y para asegurarse las necesidades estén atendidas, FEMA destacó Equipos de Asistencia en el Manejo de Incidencias y Oficiales de Enlace a los estados de la Costa Este que probablemente se vean afectados por el paso de la tormenta. Equipo Móvil de Apoyo de Respuesta a Emergencias (MERS, por sus siglas en inglés) y su personal están situados o en ruta a Delaware, el Distrito de Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania y Carolina del Norte para apoyar a los estados con servicios de comunicación seguros, vídeos, funciones de logística y cualquier requerimiento de asistencia en sus operaciones de respuesta en caso que sea necesario.
Aquí una breve recapitulación de lo que FEMA y sus contrapartes federales han estado haciendo en preparación:

• La Cruz Roja Americana ha movilizado cientos de trabajadores de desastres para preparar refugios y coordinar esfuerzos con socios  comunitarios en las áreas a ser afectadas potencialmente. Para localizar un refugio de La Cruz Roja baje la aplicación de La Cruz Roja Hurricane app o visite www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.

• Para apoyar  el desalojo potencial de pacientes en hospitales antes y después de la tormenta FEMA en coordinación conjunta con el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los EEUU (HHS por sus siglas en inglés) y a través de la Función de Apoyo 8 tiene la capacidad para activar contratos con ambulancias en apoyo a los requerimientos del estado de ser pedido o necesario.

• El Cuerpo de Ingenieros de los Estados Unidos ha movilizado grupos de emergencia eléctrica de apoyo. Estos consisten de grupos de planificación,  respuesta y grupos de asistencia de problemas críticos a la infraestructura.

• El Departamento de Energía (DOE, por sus siglas en inglés) continúa trabajando con sus contrapartes estatales y locales para el  proceso de pre-movilización de personal de campo que asistirá en los esfuerzos de restauración del servicio.

• FEMA y el Departamento de la Defensa han establecido Bases de Apoyo en Incidentes en Westover, Mass. y Lakehurst, New Jersey para posicionar suministros  que incluyen agua, comidas, frazadas y otros recursos más cerca a las zonas de impacto potenciales en caso de ser necesarias.

• La Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA por sus siglas en inglés) esta monitoreando la tormenta y tomara medidas para preparar y proteger las facilidades de la FAA y el equipo que está en el paso de la tormenta incluyendo torres de control, radares y equipo de ayuda para la navegación. LA prioridad operacional de la FAA es la de restablecer el servicio de trafico de aire para asistir con los esfuerzos de las operaciones de recuperación de desastre.

Continuaremos proveyendo actualizaciones en este blog acerca de FEMA y la familia de agencias federales, sus preparaciones y respuesta al Huracán Sandy y no olvide bajar la aplicación FEMA smartphone app de FEMA para consejos de seguridad e información de refugios abiertos.

Posted by: Flat Stanley & Stella



A lot of activity has been happening around FEMA lately as we get ready for Hurricane Sandy to come into land.  Today, we visited a very busy place called the National Response Coordination Center, or NRCC, where lots of people come together to work on helping those who may get rain, wind, or lose power from Hurricane Sandy.

The workers get help to states and people that may be affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Right now, everyone is focused on getting prepared before the storm may hit.  Here is a picture from inside the big room showing all the workers.



During times of emergency, people from FEMA and many other government agencies work in the NRCC to make sure people and supplies are being used in the best way.  These people work on many different things, but they all come together as a team to ensure everything is covered. They help set up safe places for people to go during and after a storm and make sure things like water & food are moved into the right areas so people can get them after an emergency.  Some of the voluntary organizations we’re working with are the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army USA, the Humane Society of the United States, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  These organizations and many more are working together to make sure everyone is prepared for Hurricane Sandy.

This shows some of the agencies that work with FEMA in the NRCC – We are standing next to a few of their “seals” or symbols:



And we even got to sit in the NRCC for a few minutes and wear the same vests worn by the people who work there.  The vests help to show who everyone is and what they’re working on!



Finally, workers in the NRCC told us the simple things people can do now to get prepared for Hurricane Sandy. They can be sure to have an emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, food, water, and more!  Here’s a picture with us and an emergency kit – ask your parents if your family has one!



We had fun learning about the teamwork that happens in the NRCC and we hope everyone who may be affected by Hurricane Sandy is getting prepared like we are!

Posted by: Flat Stanley & Flat Stella



Mucha actividad en FEMA mientras nos preparamos para la llegada del Huracán Sandy a la costa Este. Hoy visitamos un lugar muy concurrido llamado el Centro Nacional de Coordinación de Respuesta (NRCC por sus siglas en inglés), donde muchas personas trabajan unidos para ayudar a aquellos que reciban mucha lluvia, vientos o suspensión del servicio eléctrico debido al Huracán Sandy. Estos trabajadores obtienen ayuda para los estados y personas que puedan ser afectadas por el Huracán Sandy. En estos momentos todo el mundo está enfocado en los preparativos previos a la llegada del huracán. Esta es una foto del interior de la gran habitación donde se ven a las personas trabajando.



En momentos de emergencia el personal de FEMA y otras agencias gubernamentales trabajan en el NRCC para asegurar que tanto el personal como los suministros sean utilizados de la mejor manera. Estas personas trabajan en muchas cosas diferentes, pero todos se unen en equipo para asegurar que se cubra cada detalle. Ellos ayudan a establecer lugares seguros donde las personas puedan ir durante y tras el paso de la tormenta y se aseguran de que cosas tales como alimentos y agua sean transportados a los lugares adecuados para que así las personas los tengan disponibles tras el paso de la emergencia. Algunas de las agencias voluntarias con las que trabajamos son la Cruz Roja Americana, El Ejército de Salvación de Estados Unidos y la Sociedad Americana para la Prevención de la Crueldad Animal. Estas organizaciones y muchas otras trabajan unidas para asegurar que todos estén preparados para la llegada del Huracán Sandy. Esta foto muestra a algunas de las agencias que trabajan en colaboración con FEMA en el NRCC – FOTO abajo- algunos de sus emblemas o símbolos.



Tuvimos la oportunidad de sentarnos en el NRCC por algunos minutos y usar los mismos chalecos utilizados por personal que labora aquí. Los chalecos ayudan a identificar quién es cada cual y en qué están trabajando.



Finalmente los trabajadores del NRCC nos informaron de las cosas que las personas pueden hacer para prepararse para el Huracán Sandy. Deben asegurarse de tener un equipo de suministros de emergencia que contenga una linterna, baterías, alimentos perecederos, agua, medicamentos, etc.   Aquí hay una foto de nosotros junto a un equipo de suministros – pregunte a sus padres si su familia tiene uno.



Nos divertimos aprendiendo con el grupo de trabajo del NRCC y esperamos que todo aquel que pueda verse afectado por el Huracán Sandy se esté preparando al igual que nosotros.

Autor: Lars Anderson, Director de Relaciones Públicas

Estamos observando muy de cerca al Huracán Sandy y continuamos preparándonos para apoyar a los estados afectados y gobiernos tribales.  Pronósticos del Centro Nacional de Huracanes muestran un área grande de posible impacto con fuertes vientos y lluvia, fuerte oleaje, marejadas y nieve. Estas condiciones extremas podrían ser agravadas por interrupción extendida del sistema eléctrico.

Si usted o alguien que conoce podría ser impactado por el Huracán Sandy, aquí están algunas cosas que debe hacer hoy y mañana para prepararse.

• Obtenga dinero en efectivo adicional del cajero automático. Si se suspende el servicio eléctrico, los bancos y cajeros automáticos estarán fuera de servicio por algún tiempo.
• Tenga un plan para mantener su celular con carga por si el sistema eléctrico es suspendido por varios días. Adquirir un cargador solar o de manivela para su teléfono es una buena idea.
• Tome medidas para proteger su casa y/o negocio de los fuertes vientos, cubra las ventanas, limpie los desagües y pode los árboles.
• Visite una tienda para adquirir artículos de emergencia tales como; agua, comida no perecedera, baterías, linternas, etc.
• Asegúrese de que tiene lo que pueda necesitar en caso de interrupción en el sistema eléctrico y el acercamiento del clima frio. Asegúrese de tener un lugar seguro y protegido del frío al que pueda ir, mantas y frazadas en su casa y carro, y artículos de invierno como palas de nieve y roca de sal.
• Empleadores: asegúrese de que sus empleados estén preparados y revise sus planes de continuidad y trabajo desde el hogar.
• Para más información de qué tener en su equipo de suministros de emergencia;
  • En la red : http://www.ready.gov/translations/spanish/america/getakit
  • Desde su teléfono: m.fema.gov y  FEMA smartphone app 

El Presidente pidió al Administrador Fugate que asegure que los recursos federales disponibles sean utilizados para apoyar a los estados y el personal de respuesta local en las áreas que pudiesen verse afectadas a lo largo de la costa Este en preparación a condiciones climatológicas severas. Para incrementar la coordinación entre nuestros asociados Federales, el Centro Nacional para la Coordinación de Respuesta (NRCC) ha sido activado, un centro interagencial localizado en la sede central de FEMA en Washington, D.C. El NRCC provee total coordinación entre las diferentes agencias federales, poniendo juntas agencias y departamentos federales para asistir en la preparación y respuesta a desastres.

Mientras continuamos ocupados preparando el apoyo a la respuesta del Huracán Sandy, igualmente lo hacen un grupo de agencias de organizaciones voluntarias como la Cruz Roja Americana, El Ejército de Salvación de los Estados Unidos, la Sociedad Humanitaria de los Estados Unidos y la Sociedad Americana para la Prevención de la Crueldad Animal y otras Organizaciones Nacionales Voluntarias Activas en Desastre. Vea el video del Presidente Obama en cómo puede usted apoyar el gran trabajo de estas organizaciones.

Subtítulo: El Presidente Barack Obama recibe un reporte sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta ante el Huracán Sandy en una teleconferencia con el Administrador de FEMA Craig Fugate, Dr. Rick Knabb, Director del Centro Nacional de Huracanes, y John Brennan, Asistente del Presidente en Asuntos de Seguridad Nacional y Antiterrorismo, 26 de octubre de 2012. Alyssa Mastromonaco, Jefe Auxiliar de Personal de Operaciones y Richard Reed, Asistente Auxiliar en Seguridad nacional esta sentados a la mano derecha. (Fotografía Oficial de la Casa Blanca por Pete Souza)

Visite nuestro blog para la información más reciente en el rol de FEMA en preparar la respuesta ante el Huracán Sandy.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

We are closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy and continue to prepare to support potentially affected state and tribal governments.  Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center show a large area may be impacted by high winds, heavy rains, storm surge, and snow.  These hazardous conditions may be compounded by the likelihood of widespread power outages.

If you or someone you know may be impacted by Hurricane Sandy, here are a few things to do today and tomorrow to get ready:

• Get some extra cash out at the ATM today. If the power goes out, banks/ATMs may be offline for some time.
• Make a plan for how you’ll keep your cell phone charged if you lose power for several days. Picking up a solar or hand-crank charger for your phone is a good idea.
• Take steps to protect your home/business from high winds – cover windows, clean gutters, trim trees.
• Get to the store today for emergency supplies such as water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlight, etc.
• Make sure you have what you need in case the power goes out and cold weather moves in. Double check that you have a safe, warm place you can go, blankets in your home/car, and winter items like snow shovels and rock salt.
• Employers: make sure your employees are prepared and review your continuity and tele-work plans.
• More information for your emergency kit
  • on the web: www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit
  • on your phone: m.fema.gov and FEMA smartphone app

The President has directed Administrator Fugate to ensure that all available federal resources are being brought to bear to support state and local responders in potentially affected areas along the East Coast as they prepare for the severe weather.   To increase coordination between Federal partners, the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) has been activated, a multi-agency center based at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C.  The NRCC provides overall coordination of the federal response by bringing together federal departments and agencies to assist in the preparations for and response to disasters.

While we continue busy preparing to support Hurricane Sandy response, so are a collection of voluntary organizations like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army USA, the Humane Society of the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and other National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. Check out President Obama's video on how you can support the great work of these organizations.


CAPTION: President Barack Obama receives an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy during a conference call with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Dr. Rick Knabb, Director of the National Hurricane Center, and John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, in the Oval Office, Oct. 26, 2012. Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, and Richard Reed, Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, are seated at right. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Continue to visit our blog for the latest updates on FEMA’s role in preparing to respond to Hurricane Sandy.

At the end of each week, we post a "What We’re Watching" blog as we look ahead to the weekend and recap events from the week. We encourage you to share it with your friends and family, and have a safe weekend.

Hurricane Sandy


CAPTION: Forecast image from NOAA’s Hydrological Prediction Center, showing possible rainfall amounts over the next five days. This graphic is automatically updated by the Hydrological Prediction Center.

We continue to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy as it makes its way north in the Atlantic Ocean.  At this point in Sandy’s progression, the key message remains that now is the time to get prepared.   From the most recent National Weather Service forecasts, it’s clear the impacts of the storm will be felt across a wide area.  These impacts could include heavy rains and snowfall, flooding, high winds, storm surge and power outages.  As the image shows above, forecasters are calling for significant rainfall, which may result in flooding in some areas.  We recommend you check the items in your family emergency kit and make sure you have supplies that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours:

• canned food,
• a can opener,
• water,
• batteries,
• a flashlight,
• radio & pet food/medicine

In advance of any potential impacts from the storm, FEMA is deploying Incident Management Assistance Teams to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine to assist states, should emergency response assistance be needed.  In addition, we’re sending staff to emergency operations centers in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to coordinate if additional support is needed.

Ready.gov/hurricanes has more information on how to get your family, home, or business prepared for the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Follow updates from the National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov for the latest forecast on Hurricane Sandy and weather.gov for your local weather forecasts.

Think Tank Call on October 30 – Postponed
The FEMA Think Tank scheduled on Tuesday, October 30 in Orlando, Florida has been postponed to allow FEMA leadership and participating emergency management experts to focus on response preparations involving Hurricane Sandy.

We will reschedule the Think Tank titled, “Looking Back, Looking Forward - FEMA Think Tank 2.0” in the near future. The collaborative forum will look at various solutions-based models that have been identified on previous calls and implemented in local communities to advance emergency management. In the looking forward portion of the forum, FEMA will look at the future of the Think Tank and explore new collaborative web tools the emergency management community can use to share resources and best practices.

We encourage you to visit the online forum at www.fema.gov/thinktank to comment on the ideas we will be discussing in the future or submit your own ideas and comment on others.

Halloween safety tips
While much of the East Coast closely watches Hurricane Sandy, the rest of the country is looking forward to a spooky Halloween next Wednesday, October 31.  In addition to the spookiest time of the year, Halloween is historically a time when there is an increase in fires, especially fires related to the use of candles. So as you’re partaking in Halloween preparations, decorating, and trick-or-treating, remember these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to stay fire safe:

• Avoid using candles inside and out, as they are the most common fire hazard around Halloween.  Use a flameless candle in your Jack-O-Lantern – they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  Pick a few up when you’re at the store this weekend
• When creating a costume, choose materials that will not easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame.
• Wear light-colored, flame retardant, costumes decorated with retro-reflective tape or stickers. 
• When purchasing items, make sure that all costumes, wigs and props are labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

From the Photo Library

FEMA Corps in West Virginia


Charleston, W.Va., Oct. 2, 2012 -- WV Federal Coordinating Officer, Dolph Diemont, addresses the newly arrived FEMA Corps teams, Bayou 6 and Summit 3, at the Charleston, WV Joint Field Office (JFO). The 20 members and leaders received a JFO orientation briefing outlining all JFO disaster assistance program areas as background for their assignments at the JFO and the four West Virginia Disaster Recovery Offices.

California Shakeout


Los Angeles, Calif., Oct. 18, 2012 -- FEMA Region IX Administrator Nancy Ward, Lucy Jones of USGS, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa demonstrates the Drop, Cover, Hold On process at ShakeOut LA.


San Francisco, Calif., Oct. 17, 2012 -- FEMA Region IX Earthquake Specialist Jennifer Lynette provides earthquake tips to a reporter from KTSF television, a Cantonese speaking station, during a pre-ShakeOut event in San Francisco's Union Square. FEMA is a supporter of ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in the nation.

For those on the East Coast, use the weekend to continue to prepare for Hurricane Sandy and have a safe weekend.

Posted by: Lars Anderson, Director, Public Affairs

Posted by: Paulette Aniskoff, Director, Individual and Community Preparedness Division

On August 23, 2011 a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Louisa County, Virginia; the shaking from this seismic event was felt as far north as New England and as far south as Georgia. At the time of the initial tremor, I was at FEMA HQ on C Street in Washington, D.C - ironically discussing the latest plans for National Preparedness month with my team. As the building shook more violently, I thought, I need to get out of here. I fought the impulse to run outside. I dropped, covered, and held on, waiting until the shaking stopped, grabbed my kit and evacuated.

As Director of FEMA’s Individual Community Preparedness Division, I had concerns about the safety of my staff located in our offices a mile away. Did they take the right protective action? Was anyone hurt? I immediately reached for my Blackberry to begin our emergency call down procedures. Weak signal. What now? I sent a text message to my Deputy and awaited a response.

I tried to calm myself, having no doubts they knew exactly what to do. However, it was my responsibility to try to ensure staff was safe.

Only minutes later my Deputy responded that all my staff was safely gathered in our designated location. This was a reminder that practicing emergency plans really does save lives. The next day I discussed the event with my team. We told stories about where we were and what we did during the quake. Some said it was a compelling experience to be on the other side of the whole ordeal. Many did the right thing during the shaking by dropping to the ground, getting underneath a sturdy object, and covering their head; others did not.

As a team, it allowed us to identify our safety gaps and the importance of practicing what we preach. Best of all, the discussions helped change a stressful situation into a learning experience. The lesson we all learned is that both practicing and preparedness are needed to help build a more resilient nation.

Earthquakes occur without warning and you never know if the initial jolt is the start of a larger quake or even stronger aftershocks. You may only have seconds to react, which is why it’s important to know what to do when the shaking starts…and stops!

We can’t prevent earthquakes or other natural disasters from occurring, but we can take important steps to prepare for these events. We need to make sure if another quake were to strike, the response of those impacted would be timely and appropriate. Tomorrow, October 18, at 10:18 a.m. marks the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill and I encourage everyone to join. Participate with more than 14 million individuals, schools, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations across the United States who will be taking part in the event. This drill is designed to encourage individuals to get prepared in their community, increase awareness on what to do in a disaster, and promote evaluation of emergency plans.

Take 90 seconds tomorrow to ensure if there is a future earthquake, you know the proper protective action to stay safe.

The drill consists of practicing these three simple steps:

• DROP to the ground,
• Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and
• HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops.

If you haven’t already signed up, it is not too late! Register for the ShakeOut and participate tomorrow. Also, make sure you that you visit Ready.gov/earthquakes for important earthquake preparedness tips that can help protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of an earthquake.

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Other ShakeOut blog posts:

• Workplace Preparedness and the Great ShakeOut
  Paulette Aniskoff, Director, Individual and Community Preparedness Division

• We Must be Prepared. Even for Earthquakes.
  Buddy Harris, North Carolina Central University

• ShakeOut and My School
  Gabriela Rodriguez, FEMA Youth Preparedness Council

• North Carolinians Get Ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On
  Doug Hoell, Director, North Carolina Emergency Management

• “Go One Step Further” and the Great ShakeOut
  Bob Boyd, Chief Executive Officer, Agility Recovery Solutions

• South Carolina’s Faults due for a ShakeOut
  Derrec Becker, South Carolina Emergency Management Division