Senate Resolution 229 - Designating the Month of Sepetember 2005 as "National Preparedness Month"

SENATE RESOLUTION 229--DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2005 AS ``NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH'' -- (Senate - July 29, 2005)

Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. LIEBERMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

S. Res. 229

Whereas terrorist attacks, natural disasters, or other emergencies could strike any part of the United States at any time;

Whereas natural and man-made emergencies disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year, costing lives and causing serious injuries and billions of dollars in property damage;

Whereas Federal, State, and local officials and private entities are working to deter, prevent, and respond to all types of emergencies;

Whereas all citizens can help promote the overall emergency preparedness of the United States by preparing themselves and their families for all types of emergencies;

Whereas National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of public emergency preparedness and to encourage the people of the United States to take steps to be better prepared for emergencies at home, work, and school;

Whereas the people of the United States can prepare for emergencies by taking steps such as assembling emergency supply kits, creating family emergency plans, and staying informed about possible emergencies; and

Whereas additional information about public emergency preparedness may be obtained through the Ready Campaign of the Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov or the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/preparedness: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) designates September 2005 as ``National Preparedness Month''; and

(2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe ``National Preparedness Month'' with appropriate events and activities to promote public emergency preparedness.

Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for S. 229, a resolution designating September 2005 as National Preparedness Month.

As the horrific attacks in London again demonstrate, the threat of a terrorist attack is very real. Although we have made significant strides in preventing and deterring another attack from occurring in the United States, it is imperative that steps be taken to mitigate the effects of the attack. In addition, natural disasters can strike at any given moment and we must know how to respond.

During the month of September, the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross will co-sponsor National Preparedness Month 2005. This nationwide effort will involve more than 130 private sector organizations that will host and sponsor activities across the Nation to increase public awareness of preparedness. Activities such as CPR and first aid classes, blood drives, and other events is a simple and effective way for communities to become involved in preparedness efforts. Families, schools, and businesses can prepare for emergencies by taking steps such as making emergency supply kits, becoming informed about emergencies, and creating a family communications plan.

I join Senator LIEBERMAN in cosponsoring this resolution to promote citizen emergency preparedness. I hope that my colleagues will join us by supporting this important initiative.

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