FEMA Says It's Ready for Wilma
Oct. 22, 2005 — -- It feels like it's been hurricane after hurricane this year, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency's acting director R. David Paulison says FEMA is prepared for Hurricane Wilma.
"I think everyone is tired of hurricanes, but, quite frankly, the response side is rested," Paulison said. "They're ready to go. They're motivated, and they're ready to take this on."
So far, FEMA has sent 1,000 people to help out in Florida, including four urban search and rescue units and nine national disaster medical teams. They agency has also sent 300 truckloads of water, food and ice, as well as satellite phones and computers to aid communications.
Paulison praised Florida's state emergency agency, saying they were doing "an outstanding job."
"It makes it easy to plug into their system," he said.
Some Floridians are still living in trailers given to them by FEMA after they lost their homes when Hurricane Charlie's hit in August 2004. They will need to evacuate for Wilma, Paulison said local authorities will coordinate the evacuation efforts.
"Most of the counties in Florida will provide some form of transportation to take them out of harm's way," he said.
Acknowledging that the South has grown weary of hurricanes, Paulison offered a caution.
"Don't make assumptions and don't get complacent," he said.
"Make sure you have a three-day supply of food and water," he added.
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