NPM 2007 Week-Three-In-Review Journal

America is comprised of people from all different cultural backgrounds, but it is universally important for everyone to have a plan in the event of an emergency. In addition to the English-language Ready Campaign, we have also developed a Spanish-language extension of the campaign called Listo.

The third week of NPM focused on multicultural preparedness. Several events and activities were hosted by our National Preparedness Month Coalition Members to help everyone get prepared.

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• Celebrate Diversity National Neighborhood Day - Los Angeles, CA
• Hispanic-American Professional and Business Women's Association Emergency Preparedness Workshop - Orlando, FL

Celebrate Diversity National Neighborhood Day - Los Angeles, CA

POSTED on 9/28/2007

Neighbors in the West Adams Neighborhood Council area, including Vineyard Recreation Center, CLASS Parks, and JBAC-LA Block Club hosted a "Celebrate Diversity National Neighborhood Day" and National Preparedness Month event on Sunday, September 16.

Over 350 stakeholders enjoyed the Street Festival and Health Fair at Vineyard Recreation Center. Information regarding National Preparedness Month and disaster preparation including Ready Kids Coloring Books, Ready, Set, Prepare and Preparing for Disaster booklets were provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Also, Safe-T-Proof provided Quake Cottage, an 8.0 earthquake simulator, which demonstrated the potential damage caused by "the big one" and information on the likelihood of such a magnitude quake in the near future.

The Los Angeles Police Department, the Department of Insurance, Healthy 5 A Day, the Exposition Construction Authority and Homeland Security provided helpful information to the community stakeholders. Hispanic Heritage Month was also celebrated with a booth providing information in Spanish.

Other activities included live entertainment from vocalist Barbara Morrison, the Caribbean Breeze Band, the magic of Paul Wei, and the Franklin Hayes Marionettes. Also, teens and adults perused the vendor booths and danced to music provided by DJ Mando, and the weather was perfect for the water slide and Kid's Zone areas. The festivities were all free to the public.

The first-annual "Celebrate Diversity National Neighborhood Day" event provided a great time of fun and education for the community. It was a time to meet new neighbors, reacquaint with old ones and think about what we can do in good times and in times of disaster, if need be.

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Hispanic-American Professional and Business Women's Association Emergency Preparedness Workshop - Orlando, FL

POSTED on 9/28/2007

The City of Orlando Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Orlando Citizen Corps have been very active in promoting National Preparedness Month at a local level. While personal preparedness for emergencies is frequently stressed, especially during hurricane season, business preparedness is equally important. America's businesses are the backbone of our economy, and small businesses alone account for nearly 45 percent of the nation's payroll. If businesses are prepared, and therefore able to survive and recover from a man-made or natural disaster, the City and our local economy are more secure.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2007 the City of Orlando OEM and Citizen Corps program hosted and presented an Emergency Preparedness Workshop to the Hispanic-American Professional and Business Women's Association (HAPBWA). The HAPBWA was founded in 1997 and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It is a non-profit organization and the oldest of its kind in the Central Florida community. The organization's mission is to aid in providing Hispanic-American professionals and businesswomen with tools, equal opportunities and access to business and entrepreneurial opportunities in the workforce environment.

Fifteen different business professionals participated in the workshop. Discussion topics included an overview of the Orlando Operations Center, business emergency preparedness, business preparedness plans, business continuity plans, and general disaster preparedness for natural and man-made disasters.

Also, the Orlando Citizen Corps presented its program and provided the organization's history, mission, and goals. They explained all programs, training, and volunteer opportunities that are offered, as well as a summary of National Preparedness Month. Citizen Corps also introduced Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Citizen Fire Academy, Keeping Involved Through Service (K.I.T.S.), Citizen Police Academy, Citizen Observer Program (COP), Volunteers in Police Services (V.I.P.S.), Citizens for Neighborhood Watch (CNW), Orlando Hometown Security Volunteer, SeniorLinks, and Medical Reserve Corps programs.

At the end of the presentation the participants had the opportunity to enter into a drawing to win an emergency supply kit donated by the American Red Cross of Central Florida.

By preparing yourself, your family, and your businesses you allow first responders to prioritize efforts and aid to those most effected.

If you need additional information, contact the City at 321-235-5432 or Orlando.OEM@CityofOrlando.net

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