September is National Preparedness Month
September marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month. On August 31, 2012 the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation encouraging Americans during National Preparedness Month to renew their commitment to promote emergency preparedness in their homes, businesses and communities nationwide, and to build an America more ready and resilient than ever before.
This year’s theme is “Pledge to Prepare - Awareness to Action”. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is asking the public — individuals, business, and organizations — to take specific action steps by doing at least one of the following:
1. Learn about emergency hazards and their appropriate responses
2. Make a communications plan
3. Build an emergency kit
4. Get involved in preparedness in their community
All disasters are inherently local. They affect families and their communities, businesses and their customers, and organizations and their members. It takes all aspects of a community – not just the government – to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters.
Readiness is a shared responsibility, and the City of Los Angeles has joined with FEMA in asking all Angelenos to make the pledge to prepare this month and truly help themselves, their neighbors and their communities be Ready. People can get started by visiting www.readyla.org and www.Ready.gov/today and download a family emergency plan and emergency kit checklists. Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area, and the appropriate way to respond. One way to find out is by visiting http://myhazards.calema.ca.gov/ . You simply enter your city, town or zip code to learn about the hazards that exist in your area and learn how to prepare and respond to them.
EMD Social Media and Information Sites:
· Twitter (twitter.com/readyla)
· Facebook (facebook.com/readylaemd)
· EMD Information Helpline (800) 439-2909
· L.A. City 3-1-1 Information Line (8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.)
About the Emergency Management Department
In 2000 the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor established, by ordinance, the Emergency Management Department (EMD). EMD is dedicated to leading the City in comprehensive emergency management planning, mitigation and preparation as well as response to and recovery from natural, man-made and accidental incidents of high consequence.
