REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of September 2019 as Community Preparedness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
National Preparedness Month was launched in 2004 as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsored Ready Campaign in an effort to strengthen our country's preparedness capabilities. The national preparedness architecture encompasses prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts to prepare the United States for all hazards, whether terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. Government has taken steps to encourage all citizens to make their own survival preparations. September was chosen as National Preparedness Month, as the tragedies of September 11, 2001 highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared.
Since its inception, National Preparedness Month has encouraged individuals, families, and communities to take part in practicing preparedness steps, having knowledge about various emergencies that may affect them, and taking steps and getting trained in preparedness and response efforts.
DISCUSSION
This year's National Preparedness Month theme is "Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters." This theme emphasizes the need for our community to be prepared. The three Flash Flood Watches this year, the winter storms of 2017 that impacted residents and communities in Santa Clara County and the unprecedented destructive fires in California are examples of the importance to be prepared. The City of Santa Clara is committed to support National Preparedness Month. For more information, visit the City of Santa Clara Emergency Preparedness website and register for Alert SCC, the county's emergency alert and warning system.
The City Council would like to recognize the month of September 2019 as "Community Preparedness Month" to increase public awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within t...
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