FEMA Tech Teams Supply 5,000 With Rebuilding Tips

Panhandle residents stopping to pick up tools at a home improvement store recently also got a chance to learn how to build their homes stronger.

In the eight weeks since Hurricane Dennis struck Florida’s Panhandle, teams of technical experts have made stops at 14 different home improvement stores in the affected area to dispense information on how to make homes and businesses safer from disasters.

The technical experts are from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and have been moving to new locations on a weekly basis. As specialists in hazard mitigation, they were promoting steps people can take to reduce damage from future disasters.

During the eight weeks of operation, 5,312 people have received rebuilding and mitigation information from the teams. Guidance was provided on how to elevate a home to avoid damages from flooding and storm surge; how to buy flood insurance; how to build a safe room; and how to protect from mold and mildew. Available publications outlined construction techniques for strengthening windows, doors and roofs to avoid wind damage from future disasters.

The last day of service for the last two mitigation clinics was Monday, Sept. 5, at Home Depot, 5309 North Davis Hwy (Brent Lane), Pensacola, and Lowe’s, 1421 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze.