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Sept. 29, 2022, 4:32 p.m.

FEMA administrator outlines federal response to Hurricane Ian

Summary

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Wednesday bringing fierce winds, heavy rain and storm surges. For the millions of people in the storm’s path, the impact could be catastrophic and life-changing. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joined Amna Nawaz to outline the federal government's response. For a transcript of this story, click here . Key terms: FEMA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters and coordinate the response of the federal government. During hurricanes, FEMA often provides food and shelter to those driven from their homes, among other responsibilities.

Five Facts

  • Who is interviewed in this story, and what is her background?
  • What are some of the ways FEMA is helping on the ground in Florida?
  • Why is Hurricane Ian a particularly dangerous storm, according to this story?
  • Where are the worst impacts of Hurricane Ian being seen?
  • How does FEMA coordinate with states such as Florida during natural disasters?

Focus Questions

How do you think coastal communities could better prepare for massive storms like Hurricane Ian? What resources do they need, and how could they be built differently to prevent some of the impacts described in this story? Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand how to help communities impacted by Hurricane Ian?

For More

What students can do: What do affected communities need now? Read the following article and examine the photos. Write down three things that people affected by the storm might need. Which of these things do you think will be provided by FEMA? Which things could best be provided by volunteers?

Photos show destructive wake of Hurricane Ian

Aftermath of Hurricane Ian in southwestern Florida
A street sign lies in flood waters after Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida, in Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
A street sign lies in flood waters after Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida, in Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

This lesson meets the following NGSS curriculum connections: MS-ESS3-2. HS-ESS3-1. Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.

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Illustrations by Annamaria Ward