Federal Officials Get Ready For Hurricane Season

<EM>Associated Press - May 19, 2009 8:03 PM ET </EM>WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal disaster officials say when it comes to preparing for hurricanes, they&#39;re redoubling efforts to close gaps, but say they...

Wednesday, May 20th 2009, 6:57 am

By: News On 6


WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal disaster officials say when it comes to preparing for hurricanes, they're redoubling efforts to close gaps, but say they can't do it all.

The officials warn that any disaster preparation hinges on whether the public is ready when a storm or other natural disaster appears on the horizon.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (neh-pahl-ih-TAN'-oh) says her department and FEMA are stepping up efforts to fill gaps, and they want the public to prepare as well.

The Bush administration and FEMA were widely criticized after 2005's Hurricane Katrina when they showed up late and unprepared. The government's disaster response functions have since been strengthened and reorganized.

The 2009 hurricane season begins June 1. Forecasters say it should be less active than last year, when there were 16 named storms, including eight hurricanes.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

May 20th, 2009

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024