By IB Times Staff Reporter: Subscribe to IB's RSS feed
August 31, 2010 2:07 PM EDT
As the worst hurricane to hit the East Coast in 20 years is fast barreling up, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has ratcheted up preparations to face down the calamitous visitor.
After causing sweeping destruction in the Caribbeans with winds up to 135 miles per hour, the Earl could make landfall in the East Coast in less than 48 hours.
FEMA is deploying teams from the Carolinas to Maine in anticipation of storm surges, high winds and flooding said a report in the Washington Post.
"We're talking to the states, if they're going to even have to start talking about evacuating, we have people designated to help them," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. He said teams from the West Coast are headed to New England to offer help.
FEMA has put out a detailed list of cautionary measures in its web site to help residents cope with the potentially disastrous hurricane.
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FEMA says people who live in coastal communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate in the wake of a hurricane strike.
According to FEMA, a state of readiness can help people avert serious consequences of the hurricane. So people should:
BE INFORMED
FEMA says it's important know the meaning of terms used in association with the hurricane -- severe tropical storms form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
- A 'hurricane watch' means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
- A 'hurricane warning' is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
According to the emergency management agency, hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.
It says hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains causing floods, landslides and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions.
Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm, it warns.
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