September 12, 2023•Advocacy Matters
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
Disability Matters with Joyce Bender
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
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September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
On August 31, 2023, President Biden issued a Proclamation declaring September as National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. The theme is to remind us to 1) assess our needs, 2) plan, and 3) engage our support networks to stay safe when disaster strikes.
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.
Our country has experienced horrific fires, floods, and hurricanes already this year. It is critically important that we all work together to build a culture of emergency preparedness. Recognizing National Preparedness Month is just one way to increase awareness and to build our knowledge and to help us respond to all types of emergencies.
To help disabled people in an emergency is The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies. The Partnership is the only U.S. disability-led nonprofit organization that promotes disability inclusion and access before, during and after disasters and emergencies. The Partnership operates a hotline available for intake calls, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hotline staff are experts on many issues affecting disabled people in disasters and emergencies. The number to call or text is 1(800) 626-4959. Their email is hotline@disasterstrategies.org.
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It is important that all of us recognize the importance of preparedness and do our part to be prepared for an emergency at home, in our workplace, and in our communities. Visit www.disabilityrightspa.org for the information talked about in our segment today and to find links to the Presidential Proclamation.
Links
President Biden’s Proclamation on National Preparedness Month, 2023
Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/disability
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
Ready.gov
Ready Pennsylvania