Ahead of the official start of hurricane season, which begins June 1st, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen visited the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida for an operational briefing regarding the 2018 hurricane season. Secretary Nielsen was joined by National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long.

Secretary Nielsen urged Americans to use the time before the next disaster hits to understand their risk, prepare, and stay informed. She also reiterated that DHS and FEMA continue to work closely with their private sector, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to identify, prepare for, respond to, mitigate and recover from the threat of natural disasters.

“Disasters often require a response beyond what any one locality or agency can handle,” said Secretary Nielsen. “Each of us make up only one part of the overall team. It requires all levels of government, non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and individual communities to work together to prepare for disasters—and be ready to respond when disaster strikes. I urge every American to take this hurricane season seriously, and make an emergency plan that fits your family based on the risks to your community.”

“Now is the time to know your risks and get prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. “Disaster response is federally supported, state managed, and locally executed – but it is up to each and every person to take responsibility for their own emergency plan.”

Prior to touring the National Hurricane Center, Secretary Nielsen met with FEMA employees who are preparing for the 2018 hurricane season and continuing to work with state and local officials in Florida to assist with Hurricane Irma recovery.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov to learn more about preparing for hurricanes and severe weather.

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