Gulf Coast Prepares Again as Hurricane Zeta Approaches

As the Gulf Coast braces for the seventh named storm to strike
the area this season, it is critical for those in the storm’s
path to prepare for impact. This historic hurricane season is
continuing to cause unprecedent damage in this area, leaving
residents with little time to recover.

Hurricane Zeta’s path is projected to pass over areas recently
hit by other hurricanes, increasing the threat of dangerous
flooding. The rainfall from this storm system could worsen flooding
from the previous storms and impacts could be felt from Louisiana
to the Florida Panhandle.

Survivors of hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta who have faced
multiple hurricanes this year, may need support as they cope with
the stress of these new and repeated challenges. Survivors can turn
to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,
which has a Disaster
Distress Helpline. The helpline provides 24/7, 365 day-a-year
crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional
distress related to disasters.

While residents along the Gulf Coast may have already faced
storms this season, it is important to remember that every storm is
different. Even communities unaffected by previous storms should
remain vigilant in preparing for the next one.

Residents in the storm’s path should remember the following
when preparing for storm surge, rainfall and flooding:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around,
  don’t drown.
• Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one
  foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• State and local officials will have the most up-to-date
  information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.� Residents
  in Louisiana should call 2-1-1 for evacuation, sheltering and
  resources for immediate needs.
• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program will cover and
  reimburse policy holders up to $1,000 for certain actions taken to
  minimize damage to your home and belongings before a flood. Make
  sure to save your receipts for any of these expenses. For details
  on what is covered how to take action, view the fact sheet
  Understanding Flood Loss Avoidance.

As residents in the storm’s path make preparations, FEMA is
moving teams and supplies into place. The agency assembled over 5
million meals, over 4 million liters of bottled water and 45
generators near the expected areas of Hurricane Zeta impacts.  FEMA
is also staging blankets, tarps, blue roof sheeting and cots to
support affected states. These supplies are on the ground, ready to
meet state needs.

FEMA has also deployed
Incident Management Assistance Teams to Alabama and Mississippi
and
Mobile Emergency Operations Vehicles to the Gulf Coast to
support emergency communication capabilities.

As always, FEMA is working with federal, state, local and tribal
partners to execute a state-managed response. For more information
on how to prepare for hurricanes, visit Ready.gov/hurricanes.