September is National Preparedness Month

In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the United States on 9-11 occurring this month, the Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month. On the heels of Hurricane Irene, the east coast earthquake, and this year's tornadoes in Tuscaloosa and Joplin, these events serve as critical reminders about the importance of preparedness.

National Preparedness Month mission is to encourage all citizens to prepare themselves and their families to deal with an emergency or disaster situations. As in past years, Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz recently signed a formal proclamation declaring September as National Preparedness Month.

This is the eighth annual NPM, which is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. The NPM was ”designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.” This year's slogan is: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare."

During National Preparedness Month, the Palatine Emergency Management Agency (EMA) encourages individuals, families, and communities -- including the private and nonprofit sectors -- to do their part before an emergency.

It is vitally important that everyone take time to prepare an emergency supply kit and a family emergency plan, and to educate themselves about potential disasters in their community. Besides preparing yourselves and family, everyone is encouraged to work within their own communities to coordinate with their local emergency management agency preparedness efforts. It is each individuals responsibility to make sure they are prepared and we must all work together to safeguard our community from harm.

The Palatine EMA/Citizen Corps educates, trains, and coordinates volunteer activities that help make our communities safer and better prepared for emergencies

In preparation for National Preparedness Month you are encouraged to:

• Prepare an emergency supplies kit.

• Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency.

• Prepare a family Communications Plan.

• Learn more about different threats that could affect you, your family and community.

• Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio.

• Take the FREE 20½ CERT Training conducted by Palatine EMA and Citizen Corps.

To help you prepare for National Preparedness Month, DHS has dedicated a web site to assist you in your preparedness initiatives. You can find it at www.ready.gov or look for more information on our EMA website at www.palatine-ema.org.

“Be Safe, Be Prepared”

Tom Smith, Coordinator

Palatine Emergency Management Agency