

Eighteen years ago, our country, way of life, and freedoms came under attack. The events of that harrowing morning changed our nation, our communities, and our families forever.
On September 11, the nation pauses to remember the thousands of victims who lost their lives that fateful day in 2001. Set some time aside to remember and honor the victims in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania as well as those who sacrificed so much in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Learn more & Do something.
STAY ALERT AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF OFFICIALS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA
SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS: DON'T RETURN HOME UNTIL IT'S SAFE TO DO SO
FEMA, FEDERAL AGENCIES REMAIN FOCUSED ON DORIAN
DECLARATIONS
USAID ON AID TO THE BAHAMAS
“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
Follow Instructions of Officials in Georgia and the Carolinas:
Florida Residents, Don’t Return Until It’s Safe to Do So:
FEMA and Partners Ready to Support:
Declarations:
U.S. Aid to the Bahamas:
“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
FLORIDA RESIDENTS: EVACUATE OR SHELTER IN PLACE AND STAY SAFE
GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND NORTH CAROLINA: FINALIZE YOUR PLANS AND PREPARATIONS NOW
FEMA AND PARTNERS POSITIONED FOR ROBUST, FLEXIBLE RESPONSE
DECLARATIONS
U.S. AID TO THE BAHAMAS
Follow Instructions from Local Officials:
Now is the Time to Prepare:
It’s a Big Storm and We’re Preparing for a Big Response:
Declarations:
response resources in position. Residents along the East Coast should be implementing their hurricane preparedness plan now.
Ready to Support Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:
Florida Residents Should Prepare Now:
Emergency Food & Water
First Aid Store offers the Best Disaster Preparedness Survival Food & Water rations, from our 1200, 2400 and 3600 Calorie Mayday Food Bars, to Water Barrels and Siphon Pumps, 5 year shelf life Water in pouches and AquaBlox. We offer Heater Meals and Potable Aqua germicidal tablets - everything you need for nourishment and hydration in extreme circumstances.
FEMA Supporting Local, State, Tribal, and Territorial Governments:
WASHINGTON – As Tropical Storm Dorian approaches, FEMA urges people in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to listen to government officials on the islands and complete final preparations now.
Dorian is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to communities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands still working to recover from hurricanes Irma and Maria. Residents should take this storm seriously as even smaller and less severe storms could have significant impacts.
Now is the Time to Prepare
A Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Puerto Rico. Tropical storm conditions are expected, and hurricane conditions are possible in portions of Puerto Rico on Wednesday. History shows that storm tracks can change quickly. Island residents should closely monitor weather forecasts, follow instructions from commonwealth and local officials, and be prepared to take shelter if ordered to do so.
Follow Instructions from Local Officials If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Stay Alert and Informed
Government Coordinating Efforts to Serve Survivors
An effective disaster response is locally executed, state-managed, and federally supported. FEMA and other federal agencies have staff and commodities in position, ready to support local response efforts as needed.
U.S. Army Corps (USACE)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
As Tropical Storm Harvey continues to batter eastern Texas and southwest Louisiana, life safety and access to safe shelters remain a priority of local responders, Texas officials, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the entire federal family.
More than 230 shelters are currently open across the affected and surrounding areas. Download the FEMA mobile app (available in English and Spanish) to register for assistance, and for directions to open shelters, a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.
While immediate lifesaving and life sustaining operations are the priority for FEMA and FEMA partners, residents and business owners in designated counties who sustained damage due to Tropical Storm Harvey, and are able to do so, should apply for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
How long will food stored in the refrigerator be safe to eat during a power outage?
Emergencies happen, especially with extreme weather conditions. When they do, the best strategy begins with an emergency plan. This includes knowing the proper food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a power outage.Minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness by knowing how to determine food safety. You can learn the right decisions for keeping your family safe during an emergency with these food safety facts from the Food and Drug Administration.
Be Prepared
• Have a refrigerator thermometer.
• Know where to buy dry ice.
• Keep three days worth of ready-to-eat foods on hand that do not require cooking or cooling, which depend on electricity.
When the Power Goes Out
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• A refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
• A full freezer keeps the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
• Refrigerators should be kept at 40 F or below for proper food storage.
Once the Power is Restored
• Check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer.
• If you keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40 F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
• If you do not keep a thermometer in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can't rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
• Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than four hours. Keep the door closed as much as possible.
• Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that stays above 40 F for two hours or more.
Inadequately refrigerated or frozen perishable food such as meat (like beef or pork), poultry (such as chicken or turkey), seafood, milk, and eggs may cause illness if consumed, even when thoroughly cooked.
Begin preparing for power outages, severe weather and other emergencies now by joining the Prepareathon.