August 27th, 2012

FEMA: We don’t wait for a storm to get there

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate talks to CNN Anchor Soledad O’Brien about supply movements and Gulf Coast preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac as it nears the U.S.

Fugate says, “…. This is a very big storm. The storm surge is first. People need to evacuate when the evacuation orders are given. But it’s moving slow, so we would expect a lot of heavy rain, localized flooding, and also potentially extensive power outages.”

He continues, “We’ve been moving supplies since earlier last week. And we maintain supplies, particularly in Louisiana. So, we’ve been moving stuff to get ready for the impacts…. We don’t wait for a storm to get there. We’re moving now, as we briefed the President yesterday. He wants to make sure we have what we need in place before the storm hits.”

Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien airs weekday mornings from 7-9am ET on CNN.