September 6, 2008

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.

As Hurricane Ike moves in from the west, evacuees from Gustav are finally able to return home. The last American Red Cross shelter in Florida for Hurricane Gustav evacuees closes today.

“We applaud the American Red Cross for their quick response to shelter -the evacuees,” said Craig Fugate, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “We urge evacuees returning to their homes to do so safely and at the direction of local officials.”

American Red Cross officials in coordination with local counties in Florida opened approximately 13 shelters throughout Florida last week for evacuees fleeing Hurricane Gustav. They were also instrumental in providing food and assistance to those evacuees during their stay in Florida.

Evacuees who evacuated from Louisiana and Mississippi for Hurricane Gustav may be eligible for reimbursement of some expenses. Evacuees should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or visit www.fema.gov, for more information and to register with FEMA. Although gas is not eligible, evacuees may be reimbursed for hotel, medical and food expenses. Applicants must be prepared to provide identification.

The American Red Cross will be assisting evacuees as they return home. They will open shelters in those areas where residents are still unable to live in their homes and continue to provide assistance as needed to get those impacted by the storm back on their feet.

As Ike move to the west, the track of the storm remains uncertain. All Gulf Coast residents and South Florida residents should use the next few days to finalize their family and business preparedness plans, familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes and restock their emergency supply kit.

Floridians should be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so by local officials. Evacuation decisions will be made and communicated at the local level. Because timing is important to a swift evacuation, it is vital that residents evacuate at the time they are ordered to by local officials.

The American Red Cross encourages individuals and families to register themselves as “safe and well” on the Safe and Well website, which is accessible at all times via www.redcross.org. The Safe and Well website is an internet-based tool that allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being.

For additional information on Hurricane Ike and the State Emergency Response Team, please visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management online at: www.FloridaDisaster.org