FEMA Actively Monitoring, Planning for Hurricane Florence

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Sept. 7 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as our federal partners, are actively monitoring the continuing track of Hurricane Florence and coordinating closely with state and tribal officials.

As of September 7, 2018 at 05:00 AM EDT, Florence was a Tropical Storm in the Atlantic Ocean with wind speeds of near 65mph. Florence is moving toward the west near 7 mph, which will likely continue for the next couple of days, with a turn toward the west-northwest expected by the end of the weekend. There are no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect, however Florence is forecast to regain strength and become a hurricane again over the weekend.

While the storms' exact track is uncertain, FEMA and our partners encourage everyone to take steps to prepare for any scenario. "FEMA encourages everyone to monitor the storm and heed the instructions of your local officials as we continue to track this storm," stated MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region III Regional Administrator. "Sign up for wireless alerts, follow local officials and trusted sources on social media, and stay tuned. Knowing what is happening can help you prepare for the steps you'll need to take to protect yourself and your community." FEMA has begun planning for potential response operations and will adapt our preparedness activities and posture based on continued updates from the NWS.

Residents and visitors in coastal and inland areas should monitor local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials.

FEMA encourages individuals in the mid-Atlantic to visit the following resources for the latest from the National Weather Service (NWS):

o National Hurricane Center: www.NHC.NOAA.gov/ and on Twitter @NHC_Atlantic

o National Weather Service: www.Weather.gov/

Hurricane Preparedness Tips:

* Know your area's risk of hurricanes.

* Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

* Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.

o Check with your local officials for information on plans for your area.

o Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations - check with local, county, or state emergency management for details.

* Gather any needed supplies - keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Don't forget the needs of pets, children, and those with access and functional needs.

* Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.

* Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters.

* Review insurance policies and ensure you are covered.

Additional preparedness information is available at www.Ready.gov/hurricanes.