Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano applauded the launch of FEMA’s redesigned Spanish-language website — designed to support DHS' mission of building a culture of readiness and resilience across the nation, according to a press release.

"FEMA's redesigned Spanish-language website is a critical resource for the public to access information on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters," said Secretary Napolitano. "This website has the latest news about what's happening in your community and across the country including major warnings and information on how to find help and locate your loved ones if disaster strikes."

"FEMA is only one part of our nation's emergency response team," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "Our most critical partner on that team is the public, and the most important step the public can take is to be prepared. We are happy to announce this updated website, which will ensure that communities across the country continue to have the tools necessary to be prepared before an emergency or disaster strikes."

The redesigned Spanish-language website — available atwww.fema.gov/espanol— includes information on disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation, featured in a user-friendly format for easier navigation. The website also provides general information about disasters, breaking news, and what to do before, during and after different types of emergencies.

In the event of a disaster, the public can also register for disaster assistance throughwww.disasterassistance.gov/espanolto search for loved ones displaced during emergencies through the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator systems, available in Spanish.

The announcement came as Secretary Napolitano joined President Obama, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley in New Orleans to see recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita firsthand and hear directly from the people of Louisiana at a town hall meeting.

For more information, visitwww.fema.govorwww.fema.gov/espanol.