Hurricane Irene is putting the east coast on notice this weekend and putting the federal government on overdrive in its preparations.
The federal government made one step in its preparations Thursday by convening a call with governors in seven states along the Atlantic coast, plus five mayors.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate led the call.
“Given the unpredictability of these storms, we are currently planning for several scenarios, including potential impacts to major metro areas and critical infrastructure,†Napolitano said.
FEMA announced it is deploying national response teams to North Carolina, South Caroline and Virginia before Saturday.
President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency for North Carolina Thursday. Six governors have declared states of emergency at the state level.
