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.

• Hurricane Dorian continues advancing north and, this morning, the storm made landfall in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
• North Carolina and Virginia are likely to experience continued severe weather with high winds, torrential rain and flash flooding throughout the day.
• Remember: Stay out of floodwaters – Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• If you evacuated, do not try to return home until your local officials say it is safe to return.
• FEMA is moving resources as the situation changes and remains coordinated with our state and federal partners ready, to respond where needed.

STAY ALERT AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF OFFICIALS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA

• Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders remain in effect along the coastal areas and barrier islands of North Carolina and Virginia.
• There is a risk of tornadoes as Dorian’s bands pass over the region. If a tornado warning is issued in your area, go to a basement or room with no windows. Mobile homes are not a safe place to shelter.
• Your state and local officials will have the most up-to-date information on evacuation orders, shelter locations and other storm updates.
• North Carolina:
  • Call 2-1-1 or text NCDorian to 898211.
  • Visit DriveNC.gov for road conditions.
  • Get storm info at ncdps.gov/dorian2019.
  • Download the ReadyNC mobile app by visiting readync.org
• Virginia:
  • Visit VAemergency.gov for safety tips, severe weather alerts and more.
• All shelters managed by the Red Cross are accessible for people who have disabilities (including those who are deaf, blind, use a wheelchair, or have a service animal).
• Residents with an acute medical need (a medical need that would require a trip to the hospital) are encouraged to go to a medical shelter for assistance.
• Visit FEMA.gov/Hurricane-Dorian for additional tips and resources.

SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS: DON'T RETURN HOME UNTIL IT'S SAFE TO DO SO

• Even if it looks like the storm has subsided, do not return until told it is safe to do so by local authorities.
  • For updates in South Carolina, download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app by visiting scemd.org.
• Flooding remains a concern. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Avoid floodwaters as they may contain raw sewage, sharp objects and/or downed power lines.
• Avoid walking near or driving over downed power lines. Consider all power lines energized and dangerous.
• Photograph or take video of any damage before you start cleaning up. If your property was damaged, contact your insurance company and file a claim.

FEMA, FEDERAL AGENCIES REMAIN FOCUSED ON DORIAN

• More than 7,000 federal responders, including the National Guard, FEMA employees, and our federal partners, nonprofits and private sector, are in place and ready to support.
• Should the states need any federal support, we stand ready to help.
• More than 10,000 workers are positioned to restore power in areas affected by Dorian as soon as the storm clears. There are 80 high water vehicles at pre-staged Fort Bragg for water rescue, if needed.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed personnel including debris clearance staff, route opening engineers and temporary power teams in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The Corps is monitoring water inundation in the Carolinas.
• The Red Cross is coordinating to support evacuation centers with over 1,900 trained volunteers; more than 5,000 people were in 98 shelters in North and South Carolina.
• The Salvation Army is providing meals, water and snacks to evacuees and has mobile kitchens on standby.

DECLARATIONS

• The governor of Florida requested a major disaster declaration for federal reimbursement to local and state government for emergency protective measures. That request is under review.
• President Trump approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, including the Catawba Indian Nation, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and North Carolina, to include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
• The emergency declarations allow for direct federal assistance for emergency and life-safety actions taken.

USAID ON AID TO THE BAHAMAS

• We extend condolences to those who have lost loved ones and to the affected communities.
• Led by USAID, the U.S is providing humanitarian assistance, search & rescue, and other disaster response support at the request of the Bahamian government as well as assisting U.S. citizens in the affected areas.
• USAID deployed search and rescue members from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue to The Bahamas. These teams – each comprising 57 people and four canines – will be conducting search and rescue missions, and other critical operations. These teams also have agreements with FEMA as part of the National Urban Search and Rescue system.
• The U.S. Coast Guard immediately deployed ships and helicopters to evacuate severely injured individuals from Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also deployed rotary and fixed wing aircraft to assist with evacuation and relief efforts.
• USAID is airlifting emergency supplies from Miami to be distributed through the Bahamian government’s National Emergency Management Agency.
• Visit cidi.org for information on how the public can support relief in the Bahamas.
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“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:
  • Residents in Georgia should visit GEMA.Georgia.gov for the latest in evacuation and storm information.
  • Those in South Carolina can download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app by visiting www.scemd.org.
  • Those in North Carolina can download the ReadyNC mobile app by visiting www.readync.org.
• 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.
  • For the most current information on evacuation orders, visit www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders.
• 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.

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.

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.

“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

Dorian Hits Florida while Fernand Threatens Northern Mexico & Southern Texas

• 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.
  • For the most current information on evacuation orders, visit floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders.
  • In Florida, download the FL511 Mobile App by visiting fl511.com/app for updated road and traffic conditions on evacuation routes.
  • If you are under voluntary evacuation orders and are in a low-lying area, get out now.

 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:
  • Residents in Georgia should visit Georgia.gov for the latest in evacuation and storm information.
  • Those in South Carolina can download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app by visiting scemd.org.
  • Those in North Carolina can download the ReadyNC mobile app by visiting readync.org.

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.

• Hurricane Dorian is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, dangerous winds and significant infrastructure damage to much of the Florida peninsula beginning Monday. Evacuations have begun to be issued in Florida, and additional evacuation orders may follow. Fill your tank, stock your vehicle with supplies, and if ordered to evacuate, go.
• The forecasted track for Dorian can change quickly.  If you’re anywhere in the forecasted path of Hurricane Dorian, take steps to prepare now.
• Hurricane Dorian is a big storm, and the federal, state and tribal governments are preparing for a big response.

Follow Instructions from Local Officials:

• Dorian is currently forecasted to make impacts along Florida’s Atlantic coast as a major hurricane, which means it could cause significant damage to power, water and road systems.
• Remember: storm surge and related inland flooding is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.
• Monitor the storm closely and follow the guidance of your local officials.  Be ready to leave, have a plan for where you will go, and if ordered to evacuate, go.
• Florida residents and visitors are warned to heed all emergency guidance provided by local officials and avoid any areas under evacuation.

Now is the Time to Prepare:

• Download the FEMA App for preparedness tips, shelter information and weather alerts.
• Residents are encouraged to have supplies for up to seven days, including: prescription medication, items to care for infants and toddlers, pet supplies, water and non-perishable food.
• You should refill any necessary prescriptions today.  Florida’s state of emergency allows you to obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication.
• Make sure you have cash on hand and collect important papers such as property deeds, birth certificates, and rental leases - or create password-protected digital copies.
• Fill up your gas tank, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and know your evacuation routes.
• Visit Ready.gov for more information on what you can do ahead of this dangerous storm.
• Floridians can visit FloridaDisaster.Org to find information on emergency preparedness, shelters, road closures and evacuation routes and download the FL511 Mobile App for updated road and traffic conditions.

It’s a Big Storm and We’re Preparing for a Big Response:

BIG STORM - Wind Speed
Probabilities

• FEMA, through the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) and its regional offices, is monitoring the effects and track of Hurricane Dorian and remains in contact with state and tribal emergency management officials.
• Personnel and resources are moving to incident support bases to be ready to support response activities as requested by the state.
• The NRCC and FEMA Region IV’s Regional Response Coordination Center are both conducting 24-hour operations.
• FEMA’s Hurricane Liaison Team is working jointly with the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, and an Incident Support Base is established at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
• Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the entire State of Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
• Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for several counties in Georgia ahead of any potential impacts from Dorian.
• The Seminole Tribe of Florida has declared a state of emergency as well.

Declarations:

• On  Aug. 30, President Trump approved Florida’s request for an emergency declaration allowing direct federal assistance for emergency and life-safety actions taken ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
• FEMA received Chairman Marcellus Osceola’s request for an emergency declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Aug. 30.  The request is currently under review.
• President Trump approved emergency declarations for Puerto Rico on Aug. 27 and the USVI on Aug. 28, making federal funding available to assist those territories with emergency and life-safety actions taken ahead of Dorian.

• The risk of dangerous storm surge and hurricane-force winds along the east coast of Florida later this week and this weekend continues to increase.
• Those in the Caribbean impacted by Dorian should use caution as they return home or begin clean up.  Residents in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands should continue to follow the directions of local officials.
• FEMA continues to support both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands governments to assess impacts from the storm.
• FEMA is working with Florida officials ahead of Dorian’s predicted landfall and is moving
  Hurricane Dorian Projected path and landfall in US

  response resources in position.  Residents along the East Coast should be implementing their hurricane preparedness plan now.

• An effective disaster response is locally executed, state managed and federally supported.

Ready to Support Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:

• Residents should continue listening to local officials for safety information.
  • Both Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands’ officials are telling residents to avoid dangerous areas, only return home if it is safe to do so, and to check on your neighbors.
  • Residents are advised to keep out of the water.  Flood water can contain dangerous debris, downed power lines, and germs.  Do not attempt to walk, swim, wade, or drive through flood waters.
  • Check-in with neighbors if safe to do so.  You may be the help they need.
• If you suffered property damage, you should report it to your local emergency management officials and contact your insurance company to file a claim.
  • Individuals who had a blue roof or other ongoing repairs from the impacts of the 2017 hurricanes damaged by Dorian should report it to local emergency management officials.
• FEMA personnel and resources are in place in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to support should needs be identified.
  • FEMA has five warehouses in the Caribbean to support Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The warehouses are stocked with life-sustaining commodities including millions of liters of water and meals, as well as tarps and other necessities.
  • President Donald Trump approved an Emergency Declaration Tuesday night for Puerto Rico and Wednesday evening for the U.S. Virgin Islands to provide federal funding to assist with emergency and life-safety actions in response to Dorian.

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.

• Response and recovery are a whole community effort.  It takes everyone being prepared and neighbor helping neighbor.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for counties in the path of Hurricane Dorian.
• The Florida Division of Emergency Management urges residents along its eastern coast to remain alert and take steps to prepare.
  • Know your evacuation routes.
  • Have 7 days’ worth of supplies including food, water, prescription medications, flashlights and batteries.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for information on emergency preparedness, shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.
  • Follow @FLSERT and @GovRonDeSantis on Twitter for live updates.
  • Download the FEMA App to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, locate open emergency shelters and community recovery centers, and get additional preparedness information.

FEMA Supporting Local, State, Tribal, and Territorial Governments:

• FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) is activated to Level I (the highest activation level).
• FEMA, through the NRCC and its regional offices, is monitoring the effects and track of Hurricane Dorian and remains in contact with state and tribal emergency management officials.
• FEMA Region IV deployed a liaison officer and a Regional Incident Management Assistance Team to the Florida Emergency Operations Center.
• FEMA logistics staging and transportation teams are in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to support response efforts.
  • FEMA deployed Incident Management Assistance Teams to Puerto Rico ahead of Tropical Storm Dorian that are based in San Juan, Ponce and Aguadilla.  A team is also in the U.S. Virgin Islands and additional teams are on standby.
• FEMA’s Mobile Emergency Response Support Disaster Emergency Communications are in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help support local emergency communication systems.

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.

ALSO SEE

Hurricane Alley Emergency Alert

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.

• Puerto Rico residents: for a list of shelters and other important information, visit www.manejodeemergencias.pr.gov or call the Puerto Rico Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Bureau at 787-724-0124.
• U.S. Virgin Island residents: for real-time updates on emergencies, register for Alert VI. The link is available on vitema.vi.gov.

Stay Alert and Informed

• Download the FEMA App to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, locate open emergency shelters and community recovery centers, and get additional preparedness information.
• Expect disruptions from utility outages and debris. Government officials urge residents to gather 10-days’ worth of needed supplies.
• Check-in with neighbors if safe to do so. You may be the help they need.
• Avoid flooded areas that can hide hazards such as debris and damaged roads. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov for disaster preparedness information in English and Spanish.

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.

FEMA

• Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) are in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
• Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) Disaster Emergency Communications are in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Logistics Staging and Transportation Teams are in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to support response efforts, if needed.
• Life-sustaining commodities have been pre-positioned throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to enable an even faster response to events in the Caribbean, to include: millions of liters of water and meals, as well as tarps and other necessities.

U.S. Army Corps (USACE)

• USACE has mobilized infrastructure assessment, debris management staff and other experts to Puerto Rico.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Incident management personnel and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are positioned in Puerto Rico should medical assistance be needed in the Caribbean.
• The Disaster Distress Helpline is available to help cope with stress. To speak with a trained crisis counselor, call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (for Spanish, press 2 or text Hablanos to 66746).

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.

Blackout Survival Kits - compact survival kits designed to keep up to 4 individuals safe during a Blackout.

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.