HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-19 - National Preparedness Month 2023Proclamation
National Preparedness Month – September 2023
WHEREAS, for more than a decade, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
has proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month as part of an effort to encourage personal
preparedness for emergencies; and
WHEREAS, launched in February 2003, Ready is FEMA’s national public service campaign
designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate
emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters; and
WHEREAS, the Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take
Control in 1, 2, 3”. The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older
adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which
continue to threaten the nation; and
WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month creates an important opportunity for every
resident of Palo Alto to prepare their homes, businesses, and communities for any type of
emergency; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto wants to change perceptions about emergency
preparedness and help Palo Altans take simple steps to get "Ready" and prepare for all types of
hazards. Even though we do not know when or where disasters and emergencies may strike, we do
know that we can do more to be prepared for the unexpected; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Emergency Services has developed a comprehensive emergency
preparedness program for the community, including the Emergency Services Volunteer (ESV)
program that encourages neighbors, businesses, and non-government organizations to volunteer or
otherwise help improve our community's resilience.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire
City Council, do hereby declare the month of September to be National Preparedness Month in the
City of Palo Alto.
Presented: September 18, 2023
______________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor