SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

Arizonans asked to participate in National Preparedness Month

Gov. Jan Brewer signs Proclamation
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PHOENIX – September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide campaign to empower individuals, families, businesses, and communities to cooperatively prepare for emergencies. Understanding the importance of preparedness, Governor Jan Brewer signed a proclamation declaring September Arizona Preparedness Month.

Preparing for an emergency before it occurs can make a difference when something does happen. The Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is encouraging all Arizonans to spend some time preparing themselves for a potential disaster this September.

“While Arizona does not have as many disasters as other parts of the country, we have to be prepared for what does come our way,” said Wendy Smith-Reeve, ADEM’s director. “AzEIN has resources to help people become informed about hazards and to help them prepare for potential emergencies.”

The Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) is a public service of ADEM and the state’s official source for emergency updates, preparedness tips, and hazard information. Arizona is susceptible to an array of natural disasters and emergencies such as floods, wildfire, and extreme heat - AzEIN has information on what to do for all of them. Visit www.AzEIN.gov to learn more.

A fun way to prepare for an emergency is to participate in the Emergency Kit Cook-Off. Now in its fourth year, the Emergency Kit Cook-off (www.EmergencyKitCookOff.org) is again issuing a challenge to the Whole Community to create simple, but tantalizing recipes from nonperishable ingredients that could be found in their 72-hour emergency supply kit.

Ingredient voting is open now at www.EmergencyKitCookoff.org/ingredients and will close Monday, Sept. 1. The public has until Tuesday, Sept. 30 to submit a recipe and receive a Kit Cook-off apron while supplies last. Anyone is eligible to participate.

ADEM is working in conjunction with the Arizona departments of Homeland Security and Health Services, Arizona Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter, and local Citizen Corps councils to promote public awareness of, and participation in Arizona Preparedness Month.