**FEMA and NFL Team Up to Transform Stadiums into Disaster Relief Centers**

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Football League (NFL) have announced a partnership to utilize stadiums nationwide as emergency shelters, temporary hospitals, and other critical facilities during disasters. This collaborative initiative follows the stark lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which saw over 20,000 people seeking emergency refuge in the Superdome, the New Orleans Saints' home stadium.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized that this new initiative, unlike the reactive measures during Hurricane Katrina, is focused on proactive preparedness. "The biggest difference between this and Hurricane Katrina is we're doing this in advance," Criswell stated. She noted that the capabilities of each stadium will be assessed and coordinated to address specific threats pertinent to their locations.

The NFL, recognizing the potential of its venues to aid in emergency situations, approached FEMA with this concept nearly three years ago. Cathy L. Lanier, the NFL's chief security officer, described the partnership as "an obvious fit." The formal agreement was signed on Tuesday at NFL headquarters in New York City, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance.

According to FEMA director of public affairs Jaclyn Rothenberg, the stadiums will be available year-round for various emergency uses, from staging generators to serving as command-and-control centers. The operating costs of these temporary shelters during federally declared disasters will be negotiated among local, state, and federal governments.

Experts and officials are optimistic about the potential benefits of this initiative, particularly in light of increasing severity of climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. However, they acknowledge the logistical and emotional challenges, especially given the lingering trauma from past events like the Superdome experience during Katrina.

Already, four NFL stadiums have agreed to participate: MetLife Stadium near New York City, Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Lumen Field in Seattle, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is expected to join soon. Each of these stadiums has unique design features and geographical considerations that will be leveraged in the face of impending disasters.

In particular, Raymond James Stadium is preparing for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene, which is anticipated to escalate before striking Florida. Local officials have preliminary plans to use the stadium if necessary but urge residents to heed evacuation orders if the situation deteriorates.

By utilizing these large venues, FEMA and the NFL aim to streamline disaster response and provide more robust and immediate aid during crises, ensuring communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from catastrophic events.