TOOLS FOR COSTAL RESIDENCE TO BE PREPRED

DHS' Ready Campaign Provides Tools For Coastal Residents To Be Prepared

U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS Press Office Contact: 202-282-8010 For Immediate Release September 5, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign advises residents along the East Coast to "be prepared" for the possibility of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and power outages. As Tropical Storm Hanna makes landfall and Hurricane Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine move across the Atlantic, Ready encourages residents to have an emergency supply kit, a family emergency plan and to be informed on the conditions in their area by listening to what local authorities are advising. "Americans did not see dramatic images of search and rescue activity with Hurricane Gustav because Louisianans were prepared and heeded the instructions of local officials by evacuating," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "We now ask the same of the residents in likely impacted areas for Hanna and Ike by making sure they are prepared with basic essentials to sustain themselves for up 72 hours, and listening to guidance from local authorities." Hurricanes often produce high winds, tornadoes, large amounts of rain and power outages that affect citizens for hours or even days after the initial storm has passed, as seen with Hurricane Gustav. Therefore, it is important for residents to know what identifies a hurricane.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Scale Number (Category) Sustained Winds (MPH) Damage Storm Surge 1 74-95 Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs. 4-5 feet 2 96-110 Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding. 6-8 feet 3 111-130 Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. 9-12 feet 4 131-155 Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded. 13-18 feet 5 More than 155 Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. Greater than 18 feet

It is also important for residents to know the difference between a WATCH and WARNING.

* Watch: Storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. * Warning: Storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Ready's Web site, www.ready.gov, is a free resource where individuals can find an emergency supply checklist (www.ready.gov/america/getakit/kit-print.html), download an emergency plan (www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/familyemergencyplan.pdf) and link to local information. Ready also has resources and tools available on its Web site to help business owners ensure their business plans stay up and running, talk to their employees and protect their assets. For information in Spanish, visit www.listo.gov. Individuals can also call 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO for more emergency preparedness information. February 2008 marked the Ready Campaign's fifth year at the Department of Homeland Security. Launched in 2003 in partnership with The Advertising Council, Ready is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. It has proven to be one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council's more than 65-year history. Since its launch, the campaign has generated more than $756.5 million in donated media support. Individuals interested in more information about family, business and community preparedness can visit www.ready.gov.

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