Online Insurance Quotes

Hurricane Ike now has the possibility of being stronger and even more deadly than this year’s prior storms. An essential element in reducing the impact of this storm should be individual and community preparedness. It is important that individuals, businesses and families prepare emergency supply kits capable of providing for their basic needs for at least the first 72 hours. Families should also put together emergency plans.

Local residents need to as they relate to evacuations. While there may be some aggravations involved in evacuation, but it's the wise choice for people who are living in areas likely to be hit by the storm and who wish to avoid the overwhelming consequences. We can learn from the evacuations relating to Hurricane Gustav that they effectively reduced the numbers of injuries and deaths that so often are a part of a major storm. It is important to bear in mind that such important services as power, water, sewage and medical assistance will be limited during the aftermath of a storm and they should wait until essential services are restored before returning home.

In Texas, the President issued a pre-landfall disaster declaration. This enables federal aid to be used to supplement and support any of the pressing response efforts. As requested, Federal assets have already been deployed so as provide to lend support. These include:

The services of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

* At this point, FEMA has already put in place required staff and assets throughout Texas as well as in neighboring states, in order to ensure their availability to be used in any preparations or response activities. Such response teams are in place, and include what are known to be anticipated required commodities and necessary logistical support.

* In Austin and San Antonio, Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMATs) for FEMA have been put in place. These teams will provide the community with essential situational awareness. They represent the initial federal coordinators in place.

* Urban Search and Rescue Teams have already been pre-deployed throughout Texas in addition to being placed in neighboring states as well where they will be available to quickly assist any rescue operations during the aftermath of a storm.

* At the present time FEMA has placed commodities along with emergency resources throughout Texas. These include cots, meals, generators water, blankets, and diesel fuel. Contracts have been activated that will supplement the existing resources make it possible to not have to shift resources from other disaster operations. At the same time, FEMA is working with the private sector including voluntary agencies so as to enhance the ability of these organizations to provide resources and support to communities before and following a storm.