FEMA’s Ready Campaign is releasing video Public Service Announcements showing the deadly threats from storm surge to increase public awareness of the importance of following state and local evacuation orders, when tropical storms or hurricanes are forecast.
Storm surge is the abnormal rising of water generated during a hurricane or tropical system. When tropical systems cause storm surge, more than 20 feet of water can be produced and pushed towards the shore, causing massive flooding and also flooding from rivers.
NOAA predicted 10-17 named storms this hurricane season; to help the public stay safe this season, FEMA’s Ready Campaign asks for your commitment to air this life-saving information for your viewers. Much of the United States’ densely populated Atlantic and Gulf Coast coastlines lie less than 10 feet above mean sea level. From 1990-2008, population density increased by 32% in Gulf Coastal counties, 17% in Atlantic coastal counties, and 16% in Hawaii (U.S. Census Bureau 2010). Taken together, these facts mean that your viewers need to know that not taking action when state and local authorities issue evacuation orders can be deadly.
The series of videos are available for use at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/multimedia/collections/721?utm_source=psa&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=stormsurge_video&utm_content=link. In addition, NOAA has informative videos and resources that can be accessed here: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/.
