Disaster Preparedness Outreach Comes to South Fla. Fairgrounds

Hazard Mitigation Advisors will be on hand during the South Florida Fair to assist residents affected by Hurricane Wilma in developing hazard preparedness plans for their homes and/or small businesses, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT).

When: Now through Jan. 29, 2006

Time: Noon to Closing

Hazard Mitigation Advisors will be available to educate citizens on mitigation strategies and techniques that may reduce their losses during the upcoming hurricane season. The mitigation strategies range from something as simple as a family emergency plan to building a “safe room” that protects lives against the hazards of most hurricanes and tornados.

A study by The National Institute of Building Science’s Multi-hazard Mitigation Council found that, although risk from natural disasters cannot be eliminated completely, every $1 spent on mitigation can save as much as $4 in response and recovery.

State and local agencies also will be present to answer questions related to hazard preparedness.