September is National Preparedness Month

With hurricane Katrina and all the damage she's caused, we should remember
that September is National Preparedness Month. We've seen the devastation and
destruction from this latest disaster on our 24 hour news feed. What we didn't
see much of was the quick assessment and response that professionals and
volunteers were able to make because they were PREPARED. We should all congratulate
those who did a fantastic job evacuating citizens and setting up shelters
rapidly and effectively. They helped thousands of people by providing food,
water, shelter and much needed support during a difficult time which still
continues.

Each of us has the responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. And to
facilitate individual preparedness, some fine organizations have come out to
educate citizens on the importance of being prepared.

The ready.gov website had this to say,

"The goal of National Preparedness Month is to
increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and
to encourage individuals to take action. During September, the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security, the American Red Cross and the National Preparedness Month
Coalition Members will ask all Americans to take some simple steps to prepare
for emergencies including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family
emergency plan, being informed about different threats and getting involved in
preparing their communities."

If you live or work in Long Beach, the Long Beach Fire
Department will train you to be self sufficient, prepare you, and empower you
during an emergency or disaster. For more information on how you can learn to
take care of yourself, your family and your neighbors, please visit the Long
Beach CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) website at http://www.longbeachcert.org
or http://www.longbeach.gov/fire This
program is free and requires only your willingness to attend class 1 day a week
for 6 weeks. It truly is something worth doing. I did and so should you.

Also visit http://www.greaterlongbeachrc.org/
to donate money to the Red Cross or Volunteer your time. In fact, since preparedness
month is coming up, why don't you meet me at next Saturday's CPR
certification class.