DHS Declares September’s National Preparedness Month A Success
The Department of Homeland Security announced today that a record number of national, regional, state, and local organizations participated in its fourth annual National Preparedness Month in September. More than 1,800 NPM coalition members coordinated at least 1,000 events and activities across America, reaching individuals, families, and diverse communities with the message of emergency preparedness.
“This coordinated effort helps to serve as an important reminder to millions of individuals to take steps to prepare,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “The large involvement from the public in National Preparedness Month 2007 reinforces the fact that a greater proportion of Americans are recognizing the need for personal responsibility in preparing for emergencies before they happen. However, this preparedness message must continue year-round to everyone in America.”
DHS’s Citizen Corps and its program partners offered preparedness trainings and education, as well as opportunities for citizens to engage in efforts in their local communities. For the first time, National Preparedness Month was broken into four theme areas.