Preparedness

October 17, 2007 -- OLYMPIA – With the onset of the region’s fall and winter storm season, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today reminded Washington residents to check their readiness for potential storm problems.    » read more »

10/15/2007 -- Joined by local leaders, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today outlined legislation he recently signed to protect vital San Francisco Bay Area transportation should an emergency or disaster disrupt service.

SB 976 by Senator Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch) consolidates ferry services in the San Francisco Bay Area through the new San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). The legislation also allocates $250 million of voter-approved Proposition 1B transportation bonds to WETA.    » read more »

10/10/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today announced that he has signed legislation that will strengthen flood protections in California. The legislative package will lead to the development of a comprehensive Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. It will also reform the Reclamation Board to improve efficiency, require cities and counties to increase consideration of flood risks when making land use decisions and create a new standard in flood protection for urban development in the region.    » read more »

October 9, 2007 -- BOSTON - Calling for increased interstate emergency planning, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch today opened the first meeting of a 21-member Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Advisory Council.

Gov. Lynch serves as co-chair of the advisory council along with Connecticut Gov. Jody Rell.

The advisory council’s first meeting coincided with the second anniversary of the 2005 floods that took seven lives and caused widespread damage to the Town of Alstead and across Southwestern New Hampshire.    » read more »

Gains Made in Awareness & Knowledge; Seniors Show Major Improvements

WASHINGTON, Monday, October 01, 2007 — The nation’s RQ (Readiness Quotient) –a barometer of the public’s preparedness for a weather emergency, natural disaster or terrorist attack–inched up nearly a point from 15 months ago, according to a report released today by the American Red Cross and the Council for Excellence in Government.    » read more »

September 28, 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today the awarding of over $113 million in grant money under two programs that strengthen the coordinated training efforts of homeland security preparedness.    » read more »

September 25, 2007 -- JEFFERSON CITY - Continuing his commitment to protect Missourians’ safety, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt created a new position within the Department of Public Safety to specifically address emergency communications challenges. He appointed Jim Lundsted to serve as the state’s first ever Interoperable Communications Officer. Mr. Lundsted will work to establish effective and efficient communications during emergencies.    » read more »

Praises State’s Response to Recent Floods

September 24, 2007 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Doyle today accepted the 2007 Report on Homeland Security from Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin, his first report as Wisconsin’s chief Homeland Security Advisor. The report outlines the efforts Wisconsin is taking to prevent and respond to potential emergencies and disasters in the state.    » read more »

09/20/2007 - FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Hurricane season got off to a mild start in the Atlantic, but the season isn't over yet and tropical storms and hurricanes are back in the news. In the wake of widespread flooding in the Midwest this summer, and Texas in particular, TRICARE reminds beneficiaries to prepare before a storm, hurricane, or any disaster causes evacuations or limits access to health care.    » read more »

U.S.-Indonesia agreement targets ocean climate science, observations

18 September 2007 -- Washington -- A second tsunami-detection system for the Indian Ocean will launch from Jakarta, Indonesia, September 19, part of the $1 billion U.S. recovery, restoration and technical contribution to the region after the 9.1-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that devastated the area in 2004.    » read more »

Friday, September 07, 2007, ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today announced September as National Preparedness Month in Georgia. He encouraged Georgia citizens to take simple steps to make themselves and their families better prepared for emergencies.

“Federal, state and local officials, along with the volunteer community and the private sector continue to work hard to prevent and respond to emergencies,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I encourage every Georgian to support these efforts by developing a family disaster plan that best suits their needs.”    » read more »

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan and encourages citizens to begin preparing before an emergency. A disaster can strike at any time, as evidenced by recent tornados that struck on August 24 leaving several communities across the state to pick up the pieces.

"Simple preparations can help us avoid confusion and chaos in case of an emergency, and will potentially save lives," Governor Granholm said. "Michiganians should take time this month to prepare for potential threats so that every citizen is ready if disaster strikes."    » read more »

September 5, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist this week proclaimed September 2007 as Florida Preparedness Month, to raise awareness among Floridians about the importance of being prepared for all hazards, including natural events such as hurricanes or tornadoes, as well as domestic security threats.    » read more »

Encourages Citizens to Be Prepared, Be Aware, Volunteer

Sept. 4, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today encouraged all Pennsylvanians to recognize National Preparedness Month in September in three simple ways: be prepared, be aware and volunteer.

“Most Pennsylvanians know that preparing for emergencies is important, but they haven’t actually taken steps to prepare,” said Governor Rendell. “Disasters don’t plan ahead. That’s why every resident, family, business owner and community must start preparing today.”    » read more »

August 31, 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that more than 1,700 national, regional, state, and local organizations will support the department by participating in National Preparedness Month 2007. This campaign occurs annually in September, and encourages Americans to prepare for all types of emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. DHS promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and the department’s Citizen Corps Program throughout the year.    » read more »