FEMA: Residents should have a backups for tech

MIAMI (AP) -- FEMA director Craig Fugate says residents should have a backup tech plan in case of a hurricane because cell phones and computers are unlikely to work.

Fugate spoke Friday at the National Hurricane Center in Miami on the first day of the Atlantic Hurricane Center.

He encouraged residents to text and email rather than call during the height of a storm to reduce congestion. He also suggested people think about backup sources to charge their electronics such as battery powered chargers and hand cranks.

Most importantly, he urged residents to make sure they have a battery operated radio that can receive emergency bulletins. He addressed hurricane risks along with Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)