HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-09-2004 - 6br
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 9, 2004
Action Agen a~
Item No. -
SUBJECT: National Preparedness Month In Orange County
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Eric Griffin, 968-2050
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To designate the month of September 2004 as National Preparedness Month in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), The America
Prepared Campaign, the American Red Cross, the National Association of Broadcasters and
the United States Department of Education have joined a coalition of more than 50 national
organizations to engage Americans in emergency preparedness by launching National
Preparedness Month on September 9, 2004. The Orange County .Department of Emergency
Management encourages all residents to use this time to educate their families about preparing
for all types of emergencies.
The recent devastation from Hurricanes Charley and Frances on residents of the southeastern
United States, and Orange County's own experience with severe adverse impacts from the
December 2002 ice storm should reinforce residents' understanding that they should be
prepared at all times to maintain self-sufficiency for aseventy-two (72) hour period in case
government or volunteer emergency responders cannot reach them to provide basic needs like
food and water. Residents should maintain an emergency preparedness kit for their families to
support them for that 72 hour period, at a minimum. The kit should include a NOAH weather
radio to provide twenty-four hour notification of all hazards. Information on items to include in
such kits may be found at the Department of Emergency Management's website at
www.co.orange.nc.us/ems, or by calling the office at 919-968-2050.
This month is also a good opportunity for residents to re-educate themselves about what to do
during an emergency, revisit the family emergency plans, update the list of important telephone
numbers, and double check the family emergency supplies kit.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no significant financial impact to Orange County associated with
this agenda item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize
the Chair to sign the proclamation designating the month of September 2004 as National
Preparedness Month in Orange County, and encourage residents to engage in sound
emergency preparedness practices.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A PROCLAMATION
National Preparedness Month
September 2004
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Homeland Security, along with state and local
governments, has designated September 2004 as National Preparedness Month;
and
WHEREAS, Orange County frequently experiences impacts from and is vulnerable to most
types of natural disasters, including in recent memory the November 1992
Hillsborough tornado, Hurricane Fran in September 1996, Hurricane Floyd in
September 1999, the major snowfall of January 2000, and the December 2002 ice
storm; and
WHEREAS, There is an ever present risk of hazardous materials emergencies, building
collapse, fires, terrorist attacks, and other man-made disasters in and around
Orange County; and
WHEREAS, From 1993 to 2003, Orange County government, residents, and businesses have
received nearly $16.4 million in federal disaster assistance funding; and
WHEREAS, The need for residents to learn more about the various disasters and how to
protect themselves should be emphasized;
NOW THEREFORE, The Board of County Commissioners hereby proclaims the month of
September 2004 as National Preparedness Month in Orange County, and
encourages all residents to learn more about emergencies and disasters and
engage in sound preparedness practices.
Adopted this 9th day of September, 2004.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners