Federal Response Ready For Irene

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. --

The Federal Emergency Management Administration has pre-positioned supplies for use after Hurricane Irene affects the eastern seaboard.

FEMA Director Craig Fugate said the supplies include large generators that will be used in public safety buildings and to power “critical infrastructure.” He said the supplies also include water, infant needs and communication equipment.

Fugate said the supplies have been placed in Fort Bragg, N.C., Westover, Mass., and McGuire, N.J. He stressed that those locations were chosen, not based on the storm’s exact path, but rather they are the sites of military installations that can accommodate the supplies.

“North Carolina has the greatest threat right now,” said Fugate, who said it’s up to states to order evacuations. “Again, our role right now is supporting governors as evacuations are being ordered."

Fugate talked about Hurricane Ivan's landfall in Florida in 2004. He said many people called 911 during the storm for help, far too late to be evacuated safely.

Fugate predicted widespread power outages and downed trees due to water-saturated grounds.

“This will not just be a coastal storm,” said Fugate. “We will continue to see the impact far inland.”