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Press Releases

Midwesterners: Start Preparing Now for Severe Winter Weather

A Release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V
December 1, 2011

With winter just around the corner, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V reminds everyone to start preparing for the possibility of severe winter storms and extreme temperatures. Midwesterners can find helpful tips and recommendations to help them get prepared at www.ready.gov/winter.

"Most of us in the Midwest are familiar with severe winter weather, but you can never be too prepared," FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III said. "Take the time now to winterize both your home and your vehicle to protect you and your family."

Nationwide EAS Test

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern) and may last up to three and a half minutes. On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. A Nationwide EAS Test will help the federal agencies and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

Nationwide EAS Fact Sheet
Nationwide EAS Press Release
Nationwide EAS Frequently Asked Questions

Trick-or-Treat Tips

Trick-or-Treat Dates & Times for Area Towns

Hurricane Irene Update

A message from the American Red Cross National Head Quarters in DC, Monday, August 29th, 2011:

In the wake of Hurricane Irene, thousands of people have turned to the American Red Cross for help. Many communities from North Carolina to New England are suffering from significant flooding, wind damage and widespread power outages. We are putting the full force of the Red Cross into action to provide relief. Our response to this storm could last for weeks, helping people get back on their feet.

As Hurricane Irene Approaches, FEMA Urges East Coast Resident to Be Prepared

As Hurricane Irene moves toward the East Coast of the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging all residents in East Coast states to take steps now to prepare their families and businesses for hurricanes and severe weather. Visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov for helpful tips on preparing for hurricanes, flash flooding and other disasters.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Irene is now a category three hurricane and will move across the southeastern and central Bahamas today and over the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday. For more forecast information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center, click here.