NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Commonwealth Kicks Off ReadyPA Campaign During National Preparedness Month, Gov. Rendell Says

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The commonwealth today kicked off a new statewide public outreach campaign to encourage Pennsylvanians to: be informed, be prepared and be involved -- before a disaster strikes. Governor Edward G. Rendell said ReadyPA (www.readypa.org) will be a valuable resource for all residents.

"Taking steps to prepare for any disaster or emergency can protect Pennsylvanians and help save lives," said Governor Rendell. "Pennsylvania is prone to a wide variety of disasters, including flooding, fires, and winter storms, so we encourage every individual and family to make preparedness a part of their everyday life. ReadyPA is a great tool and aims to prepare citizens to be self-sufficient for at least three days following a disaster."

"ReadyPA is designed to provide easy-to-use tools that can help individuals and families prepare for the unexpected," saidPennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert P. French. "September is National Preparedness Month, so it's a perfect time to review your children's school emergency plans, update emergency meeting places and refresh your family's emergency kit. I encourage everyone to take a few moments out of their busy schedules to visit www.readypa.org and to ask themselves the question, 'Is my family prepared if a disaster happens to us?'"

At the event, French and other national, state and local officials unveiled readypa.org, which provides invaluable information and free preparedness tools, including a family emergency-plan template and emergency supply kit checklists; and resources about how to get involved in local preparedness efforts. In addition, members of Girl Scout Troop 1586 and Boy Scout Troop 192 helped show how to assemble an emergency to-go kit, a smaller version of the emergency supply kit recommended for a home.

ReadyPA will be promoted throughout the year with public service advertisements, local events and a retail partnership with Walmart and other private business partners. From Sept. 19 - 22, more than 80 Pennsylvania based Walmart stores will feature ReadyPA displays that will include tear-off supply checklists and recommended kit items such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights and extra batteries.

ReadyPA is tailored after the successful national Ready campaign, which was created by The Advertising Council and U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2003. The ReadyPA campaign is also supported by Citizen Corps ofPennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and volunteer organizations, and it seeks to coordinate a cohesive statewide program and a call to action regarding emergency preparedness.

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.

For more information about emergency preparedness or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.readypa.org.

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:

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

Maria A. Finn, PEMA

717-651-2009

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor