April Showers, Flowers & Earthquakes?
Oregon Observes Earthquake Awareness Month
Release Date: March 21, 2000
Release Number: R10-00-29
SALEM, Ore. -- April is Disaster Preparedness Month in Washington, and Earthquake Awareness Month in Oregon. April 17-21 commemorates Severe Weather Awareness Week in Idaho. The slightly shifting focus reflects unique natural hazard risks throughout the Pacific Northwest, and according to FEMA regional director David L. de Courcy, setting aside a special week or month to focus on preparedness can save lives and speed recovery when disasters do strike.
"Preparing for disasters and mitigating against their worst effects, is everyone's responsibility, every day, year-in and year-out. We all know that it's a good idea to update and rehearse our family disaster plans and re-inventory emergency supplies left over from Y2K preparations," said de Courcy. "For those of us who never get around to it, observances like Disaster Preparedness Month help even the most intransient procrastinator to do the right thing!"
Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) director Myra Thompson Lee agrees. "Preparedness is everybody's business: businesses, citizens and local, state and federal government agencies," said Lee. "It's never been enough to help communities recover after disaster strikes. Oregon is serious about heightening awareness about disaster hazards, and developing stakeholder partnerships to start building more disaster-resistant communities before disaster strikes."
Oregon observances will include a state-wide "Drop, Cover and Hold" exercise scheduled for April 6, from 9:30 to 10:00 AM. For more information on how to participate, call Mark Darienzo at (503) 378-2911 x237.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 12:48:24