Four NFL stadiums have been selected by FEMA to function as emergency shelters. The strategy for severe weather is as follows.
In the case of a natural disaster or other catastrophic weather occurrence, four NFL stadiums in the United States may soon serve as emergency shelters.
In the event of natural disasters like as floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes, the stadiums will be utilized. The National Football League and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have just formed a cooperation that will transform these properties into makeshift hospitals and shelters.
Four venues—Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field, and Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium—have been selected to serve as “Mission Venue Ready” sites.
The Los Angeles SoFi Stadium is being considered as a possible fifth location.
“During large-scale emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, or tornadoes, we’ve seen how large music, sports, and entertainment venues can serve as a safe space for communities,” said Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator.
Criswell stated that although FEMA is beginning with the NFL, she urges all venues from other leagues to participate in the joint endeavor.
Stadiums can only be certified as emergency locations if they meet certain criteria, such as being in the middle of their respective areas, close to important roads and hospitals, and accessible to people with disabilities.
“Stadiums are valuable community assets that are often used in times of disasters,” stated Cathy Lanier, chief security officer of the National Football League.
Every five years, the designation as a Mission Ready Venue must be renewed, and each year, its readiness and preparedness must be reviewed.
The NFL and FEMA have just announced their new alliance just as Hurricane Helene is making landfall in the Gulf Coast and the southeastern United States.
As it approaches the Big Bend Coast in Florida on Thursday night, the storm has the potential to unleash a “catastrophic and deadly storm surge” to the region.
The Superdome was a safe haven for tens of thousands of New Orleanians during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After the storm severely damaged the Superdome, fans were relocated to Houston’s Astrodome.
