President Declares Major Disaster for Florida

President Declares Major Disaster for Florida
Release Date: August 24, 2008Release Number: HQ-08-168

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Florida to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Fay beginning on August 18, 2008, and continuing.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Fay in the counties of Brevard, Monroe, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Paulison named Thomas P. Davies the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Davies said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Florida Wildfires

The Florida ESRD Network is currently monitoring the wildfire situation in Florida. If you are in the impacted area, it is vital to listen and obey your local officials' emergency orders. Most importantly, evacuate if you are told to do so.

For individuals with kidney failure, remember to take your medicines, medical records, supplies, food, and insurance information. Call your dialysis clinic and tell them that you had to evacuate and tell them where you are staying.

Wildfires can also cause problems even if you are not in the impacted area. Smoke can reduce visibility on roads which can cause traffic accidents or close important roads. Make sure you know alternate routes to reach your dialysis facility, pharmacy, or family member's home.

The wildfire smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your nose/throat/lungs, and can worsen illness. If you have respiratory problems, try to stay indoors away from the smoke.

For more information, visit the Wildfire Smoke Health and Safety page from the Arkansas Division of Air Quality.

For information about wildfire safety, visit the American Red Cross site http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_594_,00.html

FKDC Supports Florida Hazardous Weather Awareness Week

The Florida Kidney Disaster Coalition encourages Floridians to take part in the statewide Hazardous Weather Awareness Week. Since 1999, this annual event recognizes that Florida has more weather dangers than just hurricanes. Thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, floods, rip currents, and extreme temperatures can impact the State, too.

The "Weather Report" is a culmination of efforts from many state agencies and newspapers that aims to educate Floridians about each of these weather dangers, and also about disaster housing, boat safety, and NOAA weather radios. Full of colorful pictures and games, this publication is suitable for adults and children.

To download your copy of the "Weather Report," visit http://floridadisaster.org/kids/Documents/2008_guide.pdf