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Press Release

Upton Urges Michigan’s Families to be Prepared for Times of Disaster
September is National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of National Preparedness Month, Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) is encouraging the residents of Southwest Michigan to take a moment to focus on preparedness in times of emergency.  This nationwide effort encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies of all kinds in their homes, businesses, schools and communities.  Although significant progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Americans are prepared.

“As America observes National Preparedness Month, I hope that families in Michigan and across the country take the time to take a few simple steps to put together a disaster preparedness plan,” said Upton.  “I encourage folks to put together an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, and flashlight among other things.  I also encourage every family to have their own communications plan in place as the entire family may not be together when disaster strikes – we should all plan how we will contact our loved ones and review what we’ll do in different situations.  One can never be too prepared in times of emergency.”    

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.  The objective of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks, and to encourage individuals to take action to prepare themselves and their families.

“Too many individuals remain in a state of denial when it comes to personal preparedness,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.  “Able-bodied Americans need to be prepared to take care of themselves and their families after an emergency, so that first responders can focus on those who need assistance most. With the help of our coalition members, we encourage Americans to get an emergency supply kit, make a family communications plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that may affect them.”

One of the simplest things that folks can do to be better prepared is to have a family emergency plan. To develop a plan, one should ask some important questions:

• “In the event of an emergency, do we have everyone’s contact numbers and an out of town contact?”
• “Is there a designated place for everyone to meet outside of the home and neighborhood?”
• “What is the emergency plan including the evacuation location of my child's school?”

Only you can answer these questions and develop an emergency plan that will suit your family’s unique needs.  In order to be better prepared for an emergency, families can create a kit that includes basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.  A complete list of recommended supplies can be found at www.ready.gov.

The campaign’s Web site (www.ready.gov) and toll free number (1-800-BE-READY) provide Americans with free preparedness information.  Information on how families can be better prepared in times of emergency can also be found on Upton’s website, www.house.gov/upton.

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