Published:

Governor Rendell Proclaims September 'National Preparedness Month' in Pennsylvania

Encourages Citizens to Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today encouraged all Pennsylvanians to recognize National Preparedness Month this month by remembering three simple steps: be informed, be prepared, be involved.

"You only have to watch a few minutes of any newscast to know that emergencies can happen to anyone at any time," said Governor Rendell. "The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens and emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every Pennsylvanian. It's important to create an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and stay informed - we need to make citizen preparedness a priority in every community."

Governor Rendell said the commonwealth will unveil a new awareness campaign, called ReadyPA, this month as part of its National Preparedness Month activities. The campaign includes, among other outreach opportunities, a new Web site that will serve as a clearinghouse for emergency preparedness information inPennsylvania; television and radio public service announcements; and a toll-free phone number to provide information and resources for those without internet access.

All Pennsylvanians should prepare themselves and their families for a minimum of 72 hours after an emergency. They should: have a plan to communicate with loved ones and to reunite if they become separated during a disaster; know when to evacuate or stay in their home or building; and have an emergency kit with essential necessities for every person and pet in their household.

Governor Rendell also asks Pennsylvanians to pay attention to news reports and follow instructions given by state and local officials during an emergency. Important information will be broadcast using the emergency alert system.

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to consider becoming members of their community emergency response team or Citizen Corps council. More information regarding Citizen Corps is available at www.pema.state.pa.us and clicking on Pennsylvania Citizen Corps in the center of the page. Also, training is available by contacting county emergency management agencies. Local American Red Cross chapters also teach a variety of preparedness courses.

"Local emergency personnel are the first to respond to any disaster, and volunteers are a part of that response team," said Governor Rendell. "There are many different roles that need to be filled during a disaster and I encourage everyone to consider how they can help their neighbors in a time of need and to sign up."

Events like 9/11 and hurricanes Katrina and Gustav have taught Americans much, including the importance of having volunteers during an emergency. Individuals of all backgrounds, professions and levels of expertise can help their community during the next emergency by signing up as a volunteer through SERVPA, the state emergency registry of volunteers inPennsylvania, in advance of a disaster. Registering indicates a willingness to be available but does not mean individuals are obligated to respond in an emergency. SERVPA also provides the ability to validate identities, credentials, licenses and training requirements for volunteers. Visit www.serv.pa.gov to sign up now.

For more information about preparing for an emergency, review thePennsylvania emergency preparedness guide by visiting www.pema.state.pa.us or www.health.state.pa.us or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. Information about National Preparedness Month is available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:

Ruth Myers, PEMA

717-651-2009

Penny Kline, Health

717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Tags: ,POL,STP,PSF,PA-emergency-prep

_ _