FEMA Supporting Southeastern States Ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine

WASHINGTON, D.C -- As South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, FEMA, at the direction of President Trump and in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is postured and ready to support states along the Southeast coast, as needed.

While states and local partners lead preparedness efforts in their communities, FEMA is actively engaged with Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia to assist with needs that may overwhelm their capabilities. The storm could bring storm surge, heavy rainfall and flooding to portions of the Southeast, and residents should follow instructions from their local emergency management officials.

FEMA's National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and the Regional Response Coordination Centers in Atlanta and Philadelphia are activated to help coordinate any requests for federal assistance and resources.

More than 100 FEMA staff are deployed to support state response actions, including Incident Management Assessment Teams and Federal Coordinating Officers. Urban Search and Rescue task forces are also pre-prepositioning to assist if requested, and additional personnel are ready to deploy.

FEMA's state liaisons are embedded with state emergency operations from Florida to North Carolina, maintaining communication with state emergency management officials. To alleviate potential supply chain disruptions, FEMA is engaging with key transportation and fuel industry partners to ensure the flow of critical resources, if needed.

Residents should identify their risks, make a plan and stay informed to prepare for the storm. Here are some things to do now:

• Stay informed: Sign up for local weather alerts.
• Know your evacuation zone: Follow instructions from local officials about evacuation orders.
• Make a plan: Know where you will go to shelter and practice how you will communicate with family and friends after a disaster.
• Get supplies: Have enough food, water and essential items to last for several days.

FEMA continues to monitor the development of the storm and is coordinating closely with state and local officials to ensure readiness for potential impacts. For more information on how to prepare for hurricanes and other severe weather, visit https://www.ready.gov.