June Is National Safety Month: You're Not Safe, Unless You're Ready!
Release Date: June 7, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-016
SEATTLE, Wash. -- This June, the National Safety Council (NSC) is hosting its 10th annual National Safety Month campaign. The NSC works through its local chapters to promote Citizen Corps Councils and provide citizen training in emergency preparedness, and this year's theme is "Making Our World a Safer Place," with the week of 19 June specifically set aside for Emergency Preparedness messaging. According to FEMA Director R. David Paulison, engaging citizens in homeland security and disaster preparedness is a critical first step in effective government response and recovery efforts.
"National Safety Month is a great time for the American public to learn about how to prepare for natural disasters and the ever-present threats of terror-strikes," said Paulison. "Safety planning begins at home and in the workplace, and I applaud the National Safety Council's commitment to helping our nation achieve new levels of preparedness."
With spring and summer ushering in increased risks for wildfire, flash flooding and thunderstorms throughout the Pacific Northwest, FEMA Regional Director John Pennington reminds residents that the time to plan how they'll respond when disaster strikes, is "before disaster strikes!"
"No matter how busy or hectic your daily routine, now is the time to think about what to do in the event of severe weather-or any other major disaster," said Pennington. "A good place to start is by downloading our Are You Ready? In-depth guide to Citizen Preparedness from www.ready.gov or from our own site at www.fema.gov. It's our most comprehensive source on individual, family and community preparedness."
The Are You Ready citizen's guide is also available from FEMA's publications warehouse by calling (800) 480-2520.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following national incidents. 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: Wednesday, 07-Jun-2006 13:15:42