FEMA and Federal Partners Support Southern States in Response to Tornadoes and Severe Storms | WPN World People News

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners are working closely with state and local officials in Alabama and the other states impacted by the deadly tornadoes and severe storms that struck the Southeast last night, and that continue to impact southern states today.

Under the leadership of President Obama, who signed an emergency declaration to provide federal support to Alabama last night, FEMA has already deployed staff on the ground to help state officials with coordination and other needs as they continue their response. Earlier today, President Obama asked FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to travel to Alabama today to meet with Governor Robert Bentley and other state and local officials to ensure they have all the support they need as they continue to assess the damage and conduct response and recovery operations.

"Our thoughts are with the families and communities in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and the other states that have been devastated by the severe storms and tornadoes that ripped through the region last night," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "As President Obama has made clear, this administration stands with the impacted states and is bringing our full resources to bear to support them in any way needed. Throughout this storm, the heroes have been the first responders, neighbors, volunteers and many others who have been working day and night to protect the public's health and safety. At FEMA, we're just one part of this team, and we're continuing to work closely with our state and local partners and tribal governments to make sure they have all the support they need for the duration of this storm."

Since the tornadoes struck, FEMA, through its regional office in Atlanta, has been in constant contact with the governor's office and state emergency management officials. At the request of the state, FEMA has deployed staff to Alabama's emergency operations center to help with coordination needs as the state continues to respond and begins to recover from this devastating storm outbreak.

The emergency declaration for Alabama signed by President Obama last night provides federal support to state and local response efforts. The President's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 67 counties in the State of Alabama.

While severe weather continues to affect the region, we urge the public to listen to the instructions of state and local officials, and to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates and directions provided by their local officials. Also follow these steps to stay safe before, during and after a storm:

•Follow the instructions of state and local officials,
•Listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information,
•Make sure you have a safe place to go in case severe weather approaches,
•Familiarize yourself with severe weather watch/warning terms:
◦Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
◦Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.
◦Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
◦Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Sourece: U.S. Department of Homeland Security