Thursday, September 21, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Urges Missouri Families to Plan for Emergencies
September is National Preparedness Month
JEFFERSON CITY–As part of National Preparedness Month, Gov. Matt Blunt reminds Missourians to talk about family plans and put together the supplies that may be needed during an emergency.
“This is a good time for families to sit down and develop a plan to deal with emergency situations large or small, determine how they will reach one another if they are separated during an emergency and gather the supplies needed in the event of an emergency,” Blunt said.
National Preparedness Month, held each September and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies of all kinds in their homes, businesses, schools and communities. The goal is to educate Americans about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Ready in 3 program reminds Missourians what they can do at home, school and work to prepare for emergencies. Ready in 3 provides three simple steps to prepare for an emergency situation and takes less than a half hour to complete. The Ready 3 Internet site, www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3, provides more detail and offers free materials and tools to help Missourians prepare for emergencies.
“The purpose of Ready in 3 is to help Missourians be ready should a major emergency or terrorism attack occur. We can’t predict what will happen, but we can be prepared,” said Julie Eckstein, DHSS director.
Throughout the year, DHSS works with Citizen Corps Councils, other state agencies, local public health agencies, emergency responders, the Missouri General Assembly, employers, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, and the American Red Cross to raise awareness on the importance of planning in advance of emergencies.
Dorothy Anderson, a child-care provider in Caruthersville, believes emergency planning saves lives. In April 2006 as a tornado swept through her town, Dorothy and the four children in her care sat in the hallway of her home while the tornado passed. Dorothy’s home was completely destroyed yet no one was injured. Dorothy said that practicing tornado drills routinely saved their lives.
Even before the explosive storms in late July that severed power to over 700,000 in the St. Louis area for days, the Creve Coeur Fire District started educating residents on the importance of planning in advance of emergencies. “The resources and tools provided through the Ready in 3 program have given us the opportunity to educate our community, employees and their families about steps they can take now to prepare for emergencies of all kinds. This program clearly defines steps Missourians can take to protect their friends and family when an emergency does occur,” said William Brandes, Chief of the Creve Coeur Fire District.
The Ready in 3 program is part of ongoing efforts to improve the state’s ability to respond to emergencies or disasters. “Every individual, every family, every household has a critical role to play in emergency preparedness,” added Eckstein.
For more information contact Nanci Gonder at the Department of Health and Senior Services at (573) 751-6062.
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