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October 2004                                                                            Volume 7 - Number 1

 

 

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Preparedness...

 

 

                                                                     

September: National Preparedness Month

By Kia Braxton

 

 

On September 9, 2004, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Congressional co-chairs – Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Representatives Christopher Cox (R-CA) and Jane Harman (D-CA) – launched National Preparedness Month from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The launch event marked the beginning of a month-long series of activities aimed at encouraging Americans to prepare for emergencies. Sponsored by DHS and a coalition of more than 80 public and private sector organizations and all 56 states and territories, National Preparedness Month aims to highlight the importance of individual emergency preparedness in our homes, businesses, and schools. 

 

Activities Occurring Around the Nation

 

States and territories are sponsoring National Preparedness Month activities ranging from statewide public service announcements (PSAs) and emergency trainings to town hall meetings and emergency preparedness booths at state fairs. Many states are holding press conferences and issuing proclamations declaring September as the state “Disaster Preparedness Month” or “Homeland Security Begins at Home Month”.

 

Public and private sector organizations are also providing emergency preparedness resources through organizational newsletters, pamphlets, advertising campaigns, PSAs, and training initiatives.  A sample of emergency preparedness activities include:

 

  • The America Prepared Campaign, Inc. will provide emergency preparedness information and tools through some of the nation’s largest retailers, including Home Depot, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and Costco. 
  • The American Red Cross is launching a web-based store with pre-packaged emergency preparedness products for purchase.
  • DHS Citizen Corps, a community-based organization that encourages citizens to volunteer and make their communities safer and better prepared for emergencies,  will organize events through its 1,400 state and local Councils across the U.S.
  • The Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority will host safety and security open houses at select rail stations where customers can learn about emergency preparedness in the transit system.

 

National Preparedness Month activities and events will likely reach millions of Americans and communicate a simple message – make emergency preparedness a daily priority in your homes and communities.

 

References

 

Office of the Press Secretary (DHS). Press Release: Hundreds of Activities Planned, Millions Reached During National Preparedness Month. September 1, 2004.

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0502.xml

Office of the Press Secretary (DHS). Transcript: Remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge at the National Preparedness Month Kickoff. September 9, 2004.

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3991

 

Office of the Press Secretary (DHS). Press Release: Fact Sheet – National Preparedness Month. http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0501.xml