National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month

The following proclamation was issued by President Barack H. Obama to make September -  "National Preparedness Month".

 

 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

August 31, 2011

Presidential Proclamation--National Preparedness Month

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Whenever our Nation has been challenged, the American people have responded with faith, courage, and strength. This year, natural disasters have tested our response ability across all levels of government. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives have been impacted by recent storms, and we will continue to stand with them in their time of need. This September also marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which united our country both in our shared grief and in our determination to prevent future generations from experiencing similar devastation. Our Nation has weathered many hardships, but we have always pulled together as one Nation to help our neighbors prepare for, respond to, and recover from these extraordinary challenges.

In April of this year, a devastating series of tornadoes challenged our resilience and tested our resolve. In the weeks that followed, people from all walks of life throughout the Midwest and the South joined together to help affected towns recover and rebuild. In Joplin, Missouri, pickup trucks became ambulances, doors served as stretchers, and a university transformed itself into a hospital. Local businesses contributed by using trucks to ship donations, or by rushing food to those in need. Disability community leaders worked side-by-side with emergency managers to ensure that survivors with disabilities were fully included in relief and recovery efforts. These stories reveal what we can accomplish through readiness and collaboration, and underscore that in America, no problem is too hard and no challenge is too great.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and my Administration is dedicated to implementing a "whole community" approach to disaster response. This requires collaboration at all levels of government, and with America's private and nonprofit sectors. Individuals also play a vital role in securing our country. The National Preparedness Month Coalition gives everyone the chance to join together and share information across the United States. Americans can also support volunteer programs through www.Serve.gov, or find tools to prepare for any emergency by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign website at www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov.

In the last few days, we have been tested once again by Hurricane Irene. While affected communities in many States rebuild, we remember that preparedness is essential. Although we cannot always know when and where a disaster will hit, we can ensure we are ready to respond. Together, we can equip our families and communities to be resilient through times of hardship and to respond to adversity in the same way America always has -- by picking ourselves up and continuing the task of keeping our country strong and safe.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2011 as National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans to recognize the importance of preparedness and observe this month by working together to enhance our national security, resilience, and readiness.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

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The preceding document was released last year by the President and we should all applaud him for recognizing that our citizens should be prepared.   I think that we should take heed to his call for preparedness but it would have been a good idea to add a few paragraphs to the letter that they released.  The following is what I would have added. 

“Citizens of the United States, we must heed the need for personal responsibility toward our preparedness for natural and manmade disasters.  All people have the responsibility to protect themselves from natural disasters by heeding evacuation orders when issued by the county or state authorities.  Everyone should have enough supplies to take at a moments notice to see them through 3 days in an evacuation shelter.  All citizens should also have a two weeks drinking water supply in case of contaminated water in their community that results by either natural or manmade disasters.   Citizens should have at the very least if at all possible a minimum of two weeks food that requires very little preparation to maintain the health of your family during disasters and power outages.  There is no place that is completely safe from possible power outages, weather disasters, or the need for quarantine during a possible pandemic or biological event. 

The human species is vulnerable but the human spirit is indomitable and can persevere even in the face of a disaster.  Prepare for the worst and pray for the best.  In the future if we work together as a united people and take the responsibility for ourselves and our families the Government will be able to help those who cannot prepare because of disabilities, severe poverty or other problems that keep them from being able to prepare for themselves. 

The United States Government has limited resources for large scale disasters but with the Citizens helping themselves and their neighbors and community the disasters effects will be minimized and will be mitigated more quickly to get the area and people back to a more normal situation. 

Many people have died in the past when natural disasters took place and many deaths were unnecessary and would not have occurred if the people had been prepared and had heeded warnings.   Do not forget that the Government is for the people and by the people, but it is not responsible for your safety in lieu of your taking care of yourselves.  You are the first responder to your own situation and for your family and your neighbors if possible.  Be your brothers keeper and help where ever you are needed in a catastrophe.”

 Thank you,

Gram of “Gram’s Survival Kitchen”