Hurricane Preparedness Week teleconference May 23, 2012 at 2pm EST

Please join us for a Hurricane Preparedness Week teleconference focusing on inclusive emergency preparedness with an emphasis on the access and functional needs of children and adults with disabilities.

DATE: May 23, 2012

TIME: 2pm Eastern (1pm Central, 12pm Mountain, 11am Pacific)

Number: 1-212-547-0466 or 800-593-0692

Passcode: Hurricane Preparedness Week

Captioning Link: http://fedrcc.us//Enter.aspx?EventID=1949933&CustomerID=321

In 2011, FEMA responded to 98 major disaster declarations. One of the biggest was Hurricane Irene which impacted 14 states and 35 million people.

Hurricanes don’t just bring wind and rain; they can also bring other severe problems such as lightning strikes, flooding, extended power outages, and can interrupt or destroy vital community resources, like public transportation.  These problems affect all Americans including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Hurricane season begins on June 1^st, 2012 and FEMA and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering to help Americans become prepared for hurricanes and other types of severe weather.   As Administrator Craig Fugate often says, “FEMA is only part of the emergency management team.”  Key members of the team are the public.  That is why we are encouraging everyone to do their part and we’re asking your help as a member of the community to make this effort successful.

Please join Marcie Roth, Director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC) and other senior leaders at FEMA to find out how you can help your community become better prepared for meeting the needs of the whole community during hurricanes and other types of severe weather.

During this preparedness week we are reminding  you to be a force of nature – Pledge to prepare at http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes, take action, and be an example by sharing what you have done with your friends, family, and coworkers.