FEMA Administrator Urges Preparedness For 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Administrator Criswell Announces National Building Codes Initiative With White House

WASHINGTON — June 1 officially marks the start of Atlantic hurricane season, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2022 outlook, it will be another active season.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed the importance of taking early preparedness action at the National Hurricane Center in Miami earlier today.

“While FEMA’s goal is to lead the nation, to set an example of the level of preparedness and readiness we need to see for this hurricane season, we can’t do it without you. Please please don’t wait – act now. Visit Ready.gov to develop your emergency plan today,” Administrator Criswell said.

Criswell stressed that now is the time to prepare your home and your family, because it only takes one storm to devastate a community. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem and can affect inland communities.

Consider these actions to start your preparation today:

• Visit Ready.gov to learn how to prepare for disasters where you live, work, or visit. You’ll get information for individuals, people with disabilities, families, children, pets, and businesses on how to prepare or what to do in the event of a severe storm this hurricane season.
• Prepare an emergency kit. If you live in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, consider having supplies for at least 10 days.
• You can also download the free FEMA app to receive weather alerts and warnings for up to five different locations in the United States.
• Visit Ready.gov/hurricanes for the latest information on preparing for this hurricane season.
• FEMA recently updated the agency’s text to shelter feature. In case of evacuation, you can text 43362 to search for emergency shelters in your area.

After her visit to the National Hurricane Center, Criswell went to Florida International University’s Wall of Wind to announce the Biden-Harris administration’s nationwide initiative to advance building codes. The national initiative will help ensure that federally funded structures, whether new or rehabilitated, are strong enough to withstand the frequency, strength and severity of extreme weather events.

“The National Institute of Building Sciences reports that adopting hazard-resistant building codes saves communities $11 for every dollar invested,” Criswell said. “By modernizing building codes, not only will we save money by protecting people’s property and reducing energy costs, but we will also protect people’s lives by making our infrastructure more resilient to weather and the impacts of change. climatic. This critical initiative underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to achieving these goals by strengthening adoption of the latest and current building codes and standards across the country.

In April, FEMA released the agency’s “Building Codes Strategy” to organize and prioritize FEMA’s activities to advance the adoption and application of hazard-resistant building codes and standards for agency programs.

MIAMI — FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell conducts media interviews at the National Hurricane Center to promote hurricane preparedness. The Administrator stressed the importance of taking early preparedness measures. (FEMA photo by Graham Haynes)

MIAMI — FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks at the National Hurricane Center to promote hurricane preparedness. The Administrator stressed the importance of taking early preparedness measures. (FEMA photo by Graham Haynes)