BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION RESPONDS TO HURRICANE IDALIA, ENCOURAGES
PEOPLE TO BE VIGILANT TO POST-STORM RISKS
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230831/biden-harris-administration-responds-hurricane-idalia-encourages-people-be]


Release Date: 
August 31, 2023 

WASHINGTON -- Today, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Florida
and will survey damage from Hurricane Idalia with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Together with Gov. DeSantis, Administrator Criswell will meet with
local officials, emergency response staff and meet with survivors.
They will be surveying damage in Cedar Key and Horseshoe Beach
following briefings at the state Emergency Operations Center in
Tallahassee. 

Under President Biden’s leadership, the administration mobilized
more than 1,500 federal personnel, including four Incident Management
Assistance Teams, over 540 Urban Search and Rescue members and three
Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Teams to support states in
Hurricane Idalia's path. Mobile Emergency Response Support vehicles
are also in Florida to ensure communications capabilities. 

FEMA has pre-positioned Disaster Survivor Assistance Strike Teams on
standby to survey damages and make assessments. 

FEDERAL RESPONSE TO HURRICANE IDALIA

Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, FEMA staged commodities and
critical supplies, including more than 1.3 million meals and 1.6
million liters of water available pending requests from states.
Additional meals, water, tarps and infant and toddler kits are in
transit.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed teams and resources to assist
the state with infrastructure, power assessment and temporary roofing
requirements as needed. 

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public
Health Emergency for the state of Florida Wednesday. This declaration
gives the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services health care
providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency
health needs of those who use Medicare and Medicaid. Medical and
disaster management professionals deployed to Florida to address the
potential health effects of Hurricane Idalia. These personnel include
National Disaster Medical System health and medical task force members
and pharmacists.

NON-PROFIT PARTNER SUPPORT FOR HURRICANE IDALIA SURVIVORS

	* Our non-profit partners are critical to meeting the immediate needs
of survivors after disasters.
	* The Salvation Army has mobile feeding units staged in Lakeland,
Florida, with additional teams on standby.
	* Team Rubicon and the American Red Cross both deployed staff and
volunteers ahead of the storm to help meet immediate needs of
survivors and conduct damage assessments. 

STAY SAFE AFTER HURRICANE IDALIA

If you are in an area that has been affected by the storm, be aware of
continued risks. Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas
should have a family emergency communications plan, keep their devices
charged, ensure they are receiving emergency alerts and check on
neighbors, especially older adults or those who may need additional
assistance. 

	* USE GENERATORS SAFELY. Generators can be helpful when the power
goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards. Generators and fuel
should always be used outdoors at least 20 feet away from windows,
doors and attached garages. 
	* STAY OFF THE ROADS. Emergency workers may be assisting people in
flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off
the roads and out of the way. 
	* DON’T DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS. Almost half of all flash flood
deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in
low-lying areas at bridges and at highway dips. As little as 6 inches
of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
	* DO NOT WALK OR WADE IN FLOOD WATERS. The water may be contaminated
by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. It may also include dangerous
wildlife. If your basement flooded, never attempt to turn off power or
operate circuit breakers while standing in water. 
	* BE CAREFUL WHEN CLEANING UP. Wear protective clothing, including a
long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled
shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. 
	* AVOID DOWNED POWER OR UTILITY LINES. Consider all downed lines live
with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your
power or utility company.

For additional information on staying safe during and after disasters,
visit Ready.gov [http://ready.gov] or Listo.gov
[http://Listo.gov].