Spring(ing) For Preparedness Observances--On Both Sides of the Border
Release Date: April 4, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-006
SEATTLE, Wash. -- April is traditionally Earthquake/Tsunami Preparedness Month throughout the Pacific Northwest, with observances ranging from governors' proclamations and statewide "Drop, Cover and Hold" exercises, to town halls and tsunami seminars. Next month Canada will observe Emergency Preparedness Week (7-13 May) with preparedness observances planned in communities throughout British Columbia. Why the sudden emphasis on emergency preparedness? According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Director John Pennington, the message is not "sudden" but with memories of Hurricane Katrina still vivid, there certainly should be a level of urgency for those who haven't taken appropriate steps.
"Earthquakes, floods, wildfires and urban pandemics happen-causing varying degrees of disruption, injury and death," said Pennington. "And it's not just natural hazards: threats of arson, acts of terrorism and industrial accidents are real enough to warrant serious mitigation measures. The same relative independence and peace of mind provided by solid pre-disaster planning for known natural hazards will stand us all in good stead in the event of less likely, but potentially catastrophic events."
British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) Executive Director Bob Bugslag agrees. "In B.C., we share common borders and common risks with our neighbors to the south. We have many of the same hazards on both sides of the border, and we share a coastline in a tsunami and earthquake risk area,'" said Bugslag. "We promote personal emergency preparedness and encourage everyone to know the hazards in their area, to have a family emergency kit and to make sure to have an out-of-province contact in case you are separated during an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is a good opportunity for families to find out more about emergency preparedness and what you can do to make sure that your family is ready if disaster strikes."
For more information on disaster planning, and for a free copy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's comprehensive guide to citizen preparedness visit: Ready.gov. To access British Columbia's Provincial Emergency Program webpage, visit: www.pep.bc.ca.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 06-Apr-2006 11:22:20