FEMA and Bellsouth Honor Speedway on Anniversary of Daytona Shutdown
1 July 2000
FEMA and Bellsouth Honor Speedway on Anniversary of Daytona Shutdown
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 30 The Federal Emergency
Management Agency's (FEMA) Project Impact and BellSouth will honor the
International Speedway Corporation (ISC) and the Daytona International
Speedway (DIS) at the 2000 Pepsi 400 this weekend for its role in supporting
the local community during wildfires that caused the postponement of the 1998
Pepsi 400. Two years ago, the sounds of NASCAR engines and excited fans were
replaced by emergency sirens and a community coming together when wildfires
threatened communities in central Florida.
The award comes as FEMA's Project Impact expands its partnership with
BellSouth and NASCAR Winston Cup driver Kenny Irwin to bring the message of
disaster prevention to NASCAR fans. The partnership, launched at NASCAR's All-
Star race, The Winston, at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte this past May,
includes utilizing Irwin as a spokesman to recognize individuals and
businesses making a difference in building disaster-resistant communities.
"Together, we encourage all Americans to take preventative measures to protect
their families, homes and workplaces from catastrophe," Irwin said.
In 1998, the wildfires in Florida prompted DIS president John Graham to
postpone the Pepsi 400 from it's traditional running on the 4th of July
weekend until October. Instead of shutting down, the Speedway became an
operations center to assist with firefighting efforts in Volusia and Flagler
counties. Speedway EMS and fire crews fought fires across central Florida,
and the Speedway operated a shelter to help feed and care for evacuated
families.
"Bill France Jr.(ISC chairman and CEO) and John Graham are shining
examples of community leaders taking an active role to help in a time of
crisis," said FEMA Director James L. Witt. "FEMA's Project Impact is honored
to recognize the men and women of the International Speedway Corporation for
their true spirit of teamwork, exemplary leadership, and disaster response and
prevention during this trying time."
"BellSouth is proud to work alongside businesses like the Speedway to help
mitigate the disruption of lives and the economic loss that occurs from all
types of disasters," said Joe Petrock. "We hope that other businesses and
community groups will follow the Speedway's example and join the effort to
protect their businesses, their employees and their communities. By taking
preventive actions now, we can improve the safety and productivity of
individuals, businesses and the community as a whole," said Joe Petrock,
BellSouth Corporate and External Affairs.
FEMA's Project Impact encourages all Floridians to think about what they
can do today to make their homes and businesses more disaster resistant
tomorrow. BellSouth believes in disaster prevention. With many of its
customers in disaster-prone areas, BellSouth's commitment starts with building
a reliable network and extends to continuity planning for business customers
and volunteer efforts in local communities. With wildfires currently affecting
the state and hurricane season already underway, now is the time for residents
and business owners to take prevention measures.
"We must inform the public about ways they can protect themselves, their
businesses and their homes from damage resulting from severe weather and other
disasters," said Gary Johnson, CFO and FEMA Senior Advisor to the Director.
"Our partnership with Kenny Irwin and BellSouth, along with the Lifeline
program, enables us to tell millions of NASCAR fans that their actions today
will keep them from being disaster victims tomorrow."
For NASCAR fans, and any homes threatened by wildfires or hurricanes,
Project Impact recommends:
Wildfires
* Create a 25-foot safety zone to separate the home from combustable
plants and vegatation. Stone walls can act as heat shields and deflect
flames. Swimming pools and patios can be a safety zone.
* Prune all branches around the residence to a maximum height of 8 to 10
feet. Keep trees adjacent to buildings free of dead or dying wood and
moss.
* Remove all dead limbs, needles and debris from rain gutters.
* Store combustible or flammable materials in approved safety containers
and keep them away from the house.
Hurricanes
* Install storm shutters on windows.
* Reinforce roofs with hurricane straps and bracing.
* Reinforce garage doors.
* Ensure double doors are secured at the top and bottom, adding bolts or
pins where needed.
"The damage of the next disaster is being decided right now," said
Director Witt. "We've found that one dollar spent on prevention will save two
dollars in recovery costs, and that doesn't even take into account the savings
in terms of human tragedy."
BellSouth's comprehensive Business Continuity Service helps businesses
mitigate the impact of unexpected disruptions -- from disasters to technology
mishaps. The service begins with pre-crisis planning and ensures a thorough
business continuity plan for complete protection of voice, data and business
operations.
Instead of waiting for disasters to occur, Project Impact communities take
action to reduce potentially devastating disasters. For more information about
Project Impact or reducing or preventing disaster damage, call (202) 646-4117
or visit http://www.fema.gov/impact.