WHEREAS, "National Preparedness Month" creates a significant opportunity for every American to learn more about ways to prepare for all types of emergencies, from potential terrorist attacks to natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every American; and

WHEREAS, all Americans can take a few simple steps in order to make citizen preparedness a priority in every community – getting a kit, making a plan, being informed, and getting involved by volunteering, and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Orange County Citizen Corps Council, the Orange County Office of Emergency Management, other federal, state, and local officials, and the private sector are working together to deter, prevent and respond to all types of emergencies; and

WHEREAS, these activities, along with active communities, contribute to a level of national preparedness that is critical to securing our homeland; and

WHEREAS, while observing "National Preparedness Month," we urge adults and children to participate in citizen preparedness activities, and to review the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign at websites www.ready.gov and www.listo.gov; and to review local information that is valuable to their preparedness at the Orange County Office of Emergency Management website www.ocoem.com;

NOW, THEREFORE, Richard T. Crotty, Mayor of Orange County, Florida does hereby proclaim September 2009 as

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

in Orange County, Florida.

DONE AND ORDERED this 1st day of September, 2009.