Federal Emergency Management Agency teams with "Twister" to help protect public against natural disasters; Oct. 1 video release heralds International Disaster Reduction Day

Business Wire, Sept 30, 1996

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 30, 1996--In an unprecedented partnership with the federal government, Warner Home Video and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will issue information to families nationwide preparing them for the sometimes angry hand of Mother Nature.

With this history-making association, FEMA and Warner Home Video are offering the public free, vital information to protect themselves before the next disaster strikes.

Every "Twister" video will include a 30-second public service announcement by FEMA's director, James Lee Witt, urging families to cope with disaster by being prepared. Witt, applauding the wizardry of "Twister's" flying oil tankers and hurling cattle, said, "They did a great job because the damages caused by real twisters are no less dramatic and tragic."

Commenting on FEMA's first-ever tie-in with a major motion picture studio, Witt said: "We are very pleased with the opportunity to associate ourselves with one of the most popular movies this year. `Twister' can help us help the public protect themselves against real-life disasters."

FEMA has also produced "Prepare to Survive," a 20-minute video on planning for natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires and floods. The video is available free with a consumer rental or purchase of "Twister." More than 1 million "Family Disaster Plans" are also being shipped to video locations across the nation for free distribution.

Additionally, Oct. 9 has been proclaimed International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. This day has been set aside by the United Nations' Department of Humanitarian Affairs to inform the public that they can protect themselves against natural disasters.

"Twister," which grossed more than $240 million this summer, follows a group of scientists as they track the massive destructive power of the biggest storm to strike Oklahoma in half a century.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an independent agency of the federal government, reporting to the President. Since its founding in 1979, FEMA's mission has been to reduce loss of life and property from all types of hazards and to help communities on the road to recovery from disaster. For more information, visit FEMA's Web site at http://www.FEMA.gov, or call 800/480-2520.

Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures Present an Amblin Entertainment Production of a Jan De Bont Film.

Satellite Feed

FEMA will be distributing a satellite feed that will include James Lee Witt's PSA from the "Twister" video, real-life disaster footage and clips from "Twister."

The satellite feed will be distributed three times as follows:

-- First distribution date: Sept. 30

Time: 1-1:30 p.m. ET

Coordinates: Galaxy (C)4/Transponder 9/Audio 6.2 & 6.8

-- Second distribution date: Oct. 1

Time: 5-5:15 a.m. ET

Coordinates: Galaxy (C)4/Transponder 9/Audio 6.2 & 6.8

-- Third distribution date: Oct. 1

Time: 1-1:30 p.m. ET

Coordinates: Galaxy (C)4/Transponder 9/Audio 6.2 & 6.8

A radio feed is also available from FEMA: 800/323-5248.