September 20, 2022•Advocacy Matters
National Emergency Preparedness Month
National Emergency Preparedness Month
Disability Matters with Joyce Bender
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
#AdvocacyMatters
National Emergency Preparedness Month
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched National Preparedness Month back in 2004 to educate and empower Americans to respond to all types of emergencies.
Building a culture of emergency preparedness is critically important for all of us. Just this past week, Puerto Rico experienced the loss of power and flooding due to Hurricane Fiona. Alaskan communities on the west coast of the state experienced severe flooding due to Typhoon Merbok. In Pennsylvania, statistics show that 9 out of 10 floods happen outside the 100-year flood plain.
To help spread the message of being prepared, President Biden proclaimed September as National Emergency Preparedness Month. President Biden’s plan on emergency preparedness includes tackling climate change, enhancing wildfire preparedness and forest restoration efforts, investing in infrastructure like the power grid, and supporting the Army Corps of Engineer projects to project against coastal and inland flooding.
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Disasters and other emergencies can happen at any time. We must all be part of building a national culture of preparedness. The first step is to make a plan that includes any needs you and your family might have. Start by visiting disabilityrightspa.org and click on today’s #AdvocacyMatters segment. We have more information and links to National Emergency Preparedness Month and the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies. There you can find helpful information and resources about disaster preparedness. You can also call The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies at 800-626-4959 for assistance in an emergency.
Links
Federal Register, Presidential Proclamation
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/09/06/2022-19296/national-preparedness-month-2022
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
Ready.gov
Ready Pennsylvania
San Juan Daily News
https://www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/slow-moving-fiona-carries-deadly-flood-risk
Anchorage Daily News