HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2023-012-Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
September 2023 - " Orange County Preparedness Month "
Theme — " Preparing for Older Adults "
WHEREAS , it is critical for every community , business , family , and individual in Orange
County to be prepared for natural and man - made disasters , including tornadoes , flooding ,
and hurricanes , as well as disease outbreaks like COVID - 19 ; and
WHEREAS , in 2018 , Hurricane Florence brought significant rainfall in September , and
was followed by Tropical Storm Michael in October ; both storms causing widespread
power outages and flooding , with Florence resulting in more than $ 26 million in damages
while Michael exceeded $ 500 , 000 ; and
WHEREAS , the National Weather Service has confirmed three separate tornadoes that
have impacted Orange County since 2019 ; and
WHEREAS , the National Weather Service issued thirty seven Severe Thunderstorm
Warnings , seven Flash Flood Warnings , and two Tornado Warnings for Orange County
in 2022 ; and
WHEREAS , year to date , Orange County has already experienced significant severe
weather activity to include sixteen Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and three Flash Flood
Warnings ; and
WHEREAS , community members can take a few simple steps — creating an emergency
supply kit , making a family disaster plan , and staying informed — to help make
preparedness a personal priority and improved health a goal in our community ; and
is " Preparing for Older Adults " and Orange County has
WHEREAS , this year' s theme
over 32 , 000 persons aged 60 and older in Orange County ; and we know that older adults
can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and
emergencies we now face , especially if they are living alone , are lower- income , have a
disability , or live in rural areas ;
NOW, THEREFORE , we , the Orange County Board of Commissioners , recognize
Orange County Emergency Services - Emergency Management Division , along with the
Orange County Department on Aging , and emergency managers throughout the nation ,
who have collaborated to recognize September as National Preparedness Month , and
the Board joins them in encouraging Orange County residents to stay informed and
prepared ;
FURTHERMORE , the Orange County Board of County Commissioners hereby declar -0
September 2023 as " Orange County Preparedness Month . " r IoV,kl��
This the 5th Day of September 2023 . �,.
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