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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
WHEREAS, fifteen years after the attacks of September 11th we reflect on our strength as a nation that has been tested by tragedy;
WHEREAS, it is every citizen’s responsibility to be prepared for emergencies, whether they are natural disasters such as tornadoes or flooding, or man-made acts of terrorism and violence that can strike the United States at any time;
WHEREAS, disasters are becoming more frequent and severe as our climate changes; both urban and rural areas are feeling the devastating consequences of said disasters, including intense storms and heat waves;
WHEREAS, the month of September serves as a reminder that we must all take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and visit;
WHEREAS, as of 2012, the FEMA National Survey Report revealed that only 52% of Americans reported having supplies set aside in their homes for disaster and only 43% have a household emergency plan;
WHEREAS, “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,” is an effective national message with a continuing emphasis on preparedness for youth, older adults and people with disabilities, as well as those with access and functional needs;
WHEREAS, preparedness can be achieved by steps as simple as being informed about emergencies that affect your community, signing up for local alerts, creating an emergency plan, and having a stocked emergency kit;
WHEREAS, local businesses must also prepare and protect their employees, develop a business continuity plan and ensure their communities and the private sector remain strong when faced with an emergency;
WHEREAS, courageous individuals rush to the scene of a disaster with their dedication to our safety and security, no matter the price, we too must recognize that each of us can do our part to be better prepared and aide in this effort;
WHEREAS, the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management invests in the safety of all its residents with the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, frequent community outreach events promoting “Gear Up, Get Ready” emergency preparedness, as well as the most robust training and exercise program for law enforcement and first responder communities in the country;
Whereas, the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is promoting National Preparedness Month by hosting a free and open to the public Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 20, 2016 in Daley Plaza, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the Cook County Department of Public Health;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners that, in conjunction with National Preparedness Month, we must emphasize the importance of readying ourselves and our communities to be resilient in the face of any emergency or incident we may encounter.
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