Pontiac, MI, September 2, 2008 – Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has designated September as National Preparedness Month (NPM) in Oakland County.
"This is an especially good time for individuals, families, businesses, communities and schools to refocus their attention and rededicate their efforts to making sure they are adequately prepared for any kind of emergency," Patterson said.
Patterson says preparedness steps should include assembling an emergency supply kit, developing a family emergency plan, learning about the different kinds of emergencies that may occur and getting involved in community preparedness and response efforts.
The Oakland County office of Emergency Response and Preparedness (ERP) along with the Oakland County Citizens Corps is a member of the National Preparedness Month Coalition for the fifth consecutive year. As such, ERP is encouraging citizens to prepare for potential emergencies by hosting events such as seminars, fairs, community outreach programs, workshops, webinars and training.
Patterson also took the opportunity to praise and salute local police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel for their dedication and heroism in protecting the lives and properties of all citizens.
Listed below are several websites which provide valuable information on how people can properly prepare for emergencies:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security - www.ready.gov
- Oakland County Emergency Response & Preparedness - www.oakgov.com/homelandsecurity
- Oakland County Health Division – Emergency Preparedness - www.oakgov.com/health
- State of Michigan - www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares
- American Red Cross - www.redcross.org
All year long, but especially during the month of September, ERP staff will be active in promoting all hazards citizen preparedness with a focus on the special needs population including senior citizens and the disabled. ERP will also host and participate in numerous exercises and training programs and conduct lockdown and sheltering-in-place drills with local schools.
For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer, at (248) 858-1048.
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