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With the start of the 2007 hurricane season, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to urge residents living in hurricane prone areas to prepare their families and homes to reduce the risk of damage and loss to lives and property. The Atlantic Hurricane Season which begins on June 1, continues through November 30.

“All residents, especially those in the coastal states need to prepare for hurricane season. Complacency is not an option”, said FEMA Acting Director R. David Paulison. "Back-to-back intense hurricane seasons underscore how critical it is for individuals to have evacuation plans and disaster kits that will provide them with food, water, ice, medicine and other essentials for at least the first 72 hours."

In event of a hurricane threatening landfall, FEMA encourages all residents to follow the evacuation orders and instructions given by state and local officials. Along with heeding those orders, personal preparedness is critical for ensuring safety before and during a hurricane. Now is the time for individuals and families in coastal states to take action. Everyone in the Gulf Coast region, especially those living in manufactured homes including FEMA travel trailers and mobile homes, should have disaster plans that get them out of harms way as early as possible

Preparedness information is always available at www.fema.gov, and a special section on hurricane preparedness has been created that includes how to prepare a "go kit" and how to hurricane-proof your home.  In addition, FEMA's "Are You Ready" guide to citizen preparedness is available free by calling FEMA toll free at 1-800-480-2520. For further information on planning and preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

Source:

• EMA                       
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Family/children links:

• http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html
• http://www.fema.gov/kids/ready.htm

Links:

• http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm
• http://www.ready.gov/america/