WASHINGTON – Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and an honorary Congressional Co-Chair of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Preparedness Month released the following statement to highlight the beginning of September and National Preparedness Month:
“Ten years ago, we witnessed the heartbreaking destruction and devastation Hurricane Katrina left along our nation’s Gulf Coast. Countless lives and communities throughout the region were changed, and nearly 2,000 were lost. Hurricane Katrina made it clear that we were simply ill-prepared for a storm of that magnitude, and underscored the need for drastic improvements to our emergency management and preparedness. The good news is that we’ve come a long way in those ten years, but there’s more work to be done. I continue to work hand in hand with my colleagues in Congress and the administration to ensure that our government is prepared to respond to disasters and save lives, but government can’t do it alone. Every American must take steps to prepare for storms and other disasters. National Preparedness Month encourages all of us to share techniques and access tools that can save homes, businesses, and lives. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers key information and resources to help in protecting homes, schools, and businesses before and during potential disasters. I encourage all Americans to celebrate National Preparedness Month by staying informed, planning ahead, and being prepared. By working together, we can become stronger and more resilient and better protect ourselves from future storms.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) marks September as National Preparedness Month and encourages Americans to be ready for potential emergencies or disasters by preparing, planning and staying informed of possible risks. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.” Below are some tips from FEMA:
Communicate and Plan. Your family and loved ones may not be together in the event of an emergency or disaster, so have a plan to make sure you are able to contact and find one another. Complete emergency contact cards for adult family members, and keep them on you in your wallet, purse or briefcase, car or workplace.
Stay Informed. Learn the types of disasters or emergencies that may likely occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.
For more information, visit www.ready.gov or www.ready.gov/september.