National Preparedness Month

WHEREAS, September 2016 is National Preparedness Month, as declared by the Department of Homeland Security; and

WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month seeks to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action; and

WHEREAS, preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, deadbolt locks, and extra food; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Emergency Preparedness Advisory Commission, (EPAC,) are encouraging Arlingtonians to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools; and

WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month is an opportunity for all residents and employees to prepare for emergencies; and

WHEREAS, Arlington County will encourage residents to be informed about different threats, make an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency communications plan, and get involved in preparing our community; and

WHEREAS, preparedness is everyone’s responsibility;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Libby Garvey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2016 as

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

in Arlington County and urge all citizens to be informed, make a plan and get involved in preparedness.

Libby Garvey