Proclaiming September 2008 as "National Preparedness Month."

The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Month of September 2008, as “National Preparedness Month” in Philadelphia and encourages all Philadelphians to take the simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.

WHEREAS

, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Throughout September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross will work with a wide variety of organizations to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation; and

WHEREAS

, The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action; and

WHEREAS

, Throughout the month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, American Red Cross and National Preparedness Month Coalition Members will ask all Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for emergencies including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about different threats and getting involved in preparing their communities; and

WHEREAS

, The American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 900 locally supported chapters dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by one million volunteers and 35,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by some 70,000 disasters, trains more than 15 million people in lifesaving skills and keeps U.S. military families connected worldwide; and

WHEREAS

, The National Preparedness Month Coalition will distribute emergency preparedness information, host events and sponsor activities across the country to encourage individuals to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools; and

WHEREAS

, More than 190 national coalition members will help reach millions of Americans via hundreds of events scheduled to take place throughout September. In addition to hosting events, organizations will share preparedness information with their members, customers, employees and communities through websites, newsletters and public service announcements; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA,

That the Month of September 2008 be declared “National Preparedness Month” in Philadelphia and encourages all Philadelphians to take the simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Maryann Marrocolo, Deputy Managing Director, Office of Emergency Management as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

End