Gov Declares Sept Arizona Preparedness Month

Gov. Janet Napolitano proclaimed September 2006 as Arizona Preparedness Month, joining hundreds of national, regional, state & local organizations that are taking part in National Preparedness Month 2006. National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies or disasters & to encourage families to take action.

The announcement was made on the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina at an event designed to thank all of the volunteers who assisted in the relief effort in Arizona over the last year.

As part of Arizona Preparedness Month, the Governor invited Arizonans to continue volunteering & reminded attendees of the importance of being prepared for future unforeseen disasters. “The devastation brought about by Hurricane Katrina provided us with many valuable life lessons, not the least of which is the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, both individually & as a community,” said Governor Napolitano.

The Governor also encouraged individuals & families to complete a family communications plan & carry emergency contact information in their purse or wallet at all times.

The event, called Volunteer Heroes: Katrina & Beyond, was attended by hundreds of volunteers representing community & faith-based organizations, agencies & businesses who gave selflessly of their time, talents & resources in the midst of our nation’s greatest natural disaster.

Approximately 35 to 40 agencies & organizations participated in the “preparedness fair” & set up exhibit booths to provide info on training & volunteer opportunities. Many of the individuals & organizations in attendance are still actively assisting with long-term recovery efforts for the evacuees who have started a new life for themselves in Arizona.