Sen. Carper Encourages Delawareans to Participate in National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) encouraged Delawareans to participate in the eighth annual National Preparedness Month during September. In the wake of Hurricane Irene and after months of deadly tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters across America, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is dedicating September to calling on families and organizations to prepare for disasters by sharing information, collaborating with the local, state, and federal government, and supporting volunteer programs.

“We can’t control nature, but we can control our response to natural disasters,” said Sen. Carper. “In the immediate aftermath of a hurricane that brought flooding and the tragic loss of life and property in Delaware and along the entire East Coast, I can think of no better time to dedicate an entire month to preparing for future disasters. National Preparedness Month encourages Delawareans and all Americans to share techniques and to access tools that can save homes, businesses, and even lives. The best offense is often a good defense, and we can defend ourselves from future losses by ensuring we are ready to respond when natural disasters strike.”

Individuals and organizations across the country can join the 2011 National Preparedness Month coalition by pledging their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds at http://community.fema.gov/. FEMA’s Ready Campaign, which promotes individual emergency preparedness at home, in the workplace, and throughout America’s communities, provides tools year-round at www.Ready.gov and www.Listo.gov to help Americans plan for disasters. Additionally, the federal government provides opportunities to support volunteer programs focused on disaster response at www.Serve.gov.

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