Recognizing April 22, 2002 through April 28, 2002 as "Shelter-in-Place" Week in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, As a result of the 1986 EPA Emergency and Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee (PLEPC) was formed to inform the citizens of this City about how best to protect themselves during a chemical emergency; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception PLEPC has initiated important programs to help keep us safe in case of a chemical emergency. There have been Shelter-in-Place drills in the School District, and, under the direction of Sunoco, the installation of a public notification system in South/Southwest Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, PLEPC has worked with the Philadelphia Fire Department's HAZMAT and Fire Prevention Units, and has now acquired the rights to use a national shelter-in-place mascot named Wally Wiseguy. Wally will now be Philadelphia's own representative in schools and in the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Among Wally Wiseguy's tips are to go inside the home and shut all doors and windows; to cover cracks along doors and windows with tape or wet towels; to listen to KYW; to keep pets with you, and to call 9-1-1 if you are disabled. These and other instructions will do much to insure the safety of individuals and families should a chemical emergency occur; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize April 22, 2002 through April 28, 2002, as “Shelter-in-Place” Week in the City of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Martha Anderson, Chairperson of the Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee.

End