FEMA Opening Emergency Operation Centers Ahead of Matthew

Preparing for the future need for help that will come from Hurricane Matthew crashing into the area, FEMA has set up operational locations to help those who will be displaced by the storm.

The agency has deployed crews to emergency operation centers in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia as well as having a liaison in the state of Georgia at their emergency operations center.

Specific support bases will be located in Albany, Georgia and Fort Bragg, North Carolina providing those in need with over 440,000 gallons of water, over 510,000 meals and more than 20,000 cots for people to sleep on.

At the agency’s staging area at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, another 137,000 meals and 193,000 liters of water will be available for those needing assistance.

With the hurricane approaching, FEMA is offering suggestions for what to do both during and after a storm:

During a Hurricane

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.

• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.

• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

• Turn off propane tanks.

• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

• Moor your boat if time permits.

• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.

• Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

After a Hurricane

• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.

• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.

• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

• Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.

• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

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