September 2011: National Preparedness Month
Presidential Proclamation
Presidential Proclamation--National Preparedness Month
September, 2011 marked the ten-year commemoration of 9/11 and we ask you to take time to remember those lost as well as time to make sure you are prepared for future emergencies. Since that tragic day. September has been proclaimed as National Preparedness Month (NPM) in an effort to increase preparedness in the U.S. It is a time to prepare yourself, those in your care, and your community for an unexpected emergency. Preparedness is a shared responsibility
This year’s NPM will focus on turning awareness into action by encouraging individuals to make an emergency preparedness plan for their homes, businesses, and community. You can get involved by:
Attending a Service Event
Non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGO) will host projects (www.HandsOnNetwork.org) and service opportunities (www.911dayofservice.org) across the country. Participate in a service event and encourage your family and your neighbors to join you. You can also contact National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for local disaster preparedness and response service opportunities.
Joining in at a Preparedness Event
Preparedness events that will be hosted throughout NPM will be posted at Ready.gov and additional events in your community can be easily searched on serve.gov. Visit your local firehouse to learn more about preparedness in your community.
Participating in your Local Citizen Corps Council
Citizen Corps connects citizens with government and civic leaders, NGOs, and other community-based programs. Join a Citizen Corps Council and support emergency planning, training and exercises, and participate in volunteer opportunities that enhance community safety. Visit www.CitizenCorps.gov to find local Citizen Corps Councils in your community.
Partnering with Fire, Police and other Responders
Local chapters of national organizations, as well as local fire, police, and other first responders can always use a hand. Look for ways to become involved and pitch in with your community, not just in September, but throughout the year as well.
- Get involved with your local chapter of the American Red Cross
- Join USAonWatch (Neighborhood Watch) groups and work with local law enforcement to help prevent crime and terrorism in your neighborhood
- Train with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), which support first responders
- Participate in Fire Corps programs and assist with administrative duties at your local fire station
- Give your time to Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) programs, conduct traffic control, crowd control, and other duties that support local law enforcement
- Volunteer with medical and public health professionals through the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Ask yourself what you can do to prepare yourself, your neighborhood and your community for disasters. Think through how you can help your neighbors, including older Americans, children and adults with disabilities, and others with access and functional needs.
For more information on National Preparedness Month and for help getting your family, business or community prepared, visit Ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585. This September: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.
Community Preparedness Events
Porterville College Health and Career Fair
Porterville College Wellness Center
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
100 E. College Ave., Porterville, CA 93257
Visalia Home EXPO
Visalia Convention Center
Saturday-Sunday, September 24-25, 2011
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
303 E. Acequia Ave.,Visalia, CA 93291
Tulare County Health Fair
Visalia Convention Center
Thursday, September 29, 2011
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
303 E. Acequia Ave.,Visalia, CA 93291
