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A Citizen’s Eye View of Public Preparedness

Fugate Calls Public “Part Of Our Nation’s Emergency Response Team”, Urges Citizens To Prepare As U.S. Celebrates July 4th Holiday

July 3rd, 2009 · 3 Comments

Calling citizens part of “the nation’s emergency response team,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is urging Americans to prepare for emergencies this July 4th Weekend:

“As we take this opportunity to observe the July 4th holiday with loved ones and friends, we are reminded of all we have to be thankful for and why it is so critical that we do all we can to protect our families and communities. I encourage all Americans to take a few simple steps to ensure that if and when your community is impacted by an emergency or disaster, you are prepared.

“Most importantly, develop a family disaster plan – have the discussion now about what you will do if your community is impacted, where you will go, how you will communicate with your loved ones. I also encourage you to take a CPR or first aid course, transforming you from a survivor to an asset to your family and community in the case of emergencies. And, in the case of an emergency, after you have determined the safety of you and your family, check on a neighbor and make sure others are safe.

“We are all a part of our nation’s emergency response team, and the small steps we can each take now will go a long way in shaping our successful response to the next disaster. For more information on how to make sure you and your family are prepared please visit www.ready.gov.”

I think that emphasizing the public’s role as part of the overall disaster response “team” is a good approach. It offers both positive (’you are part of the solution’) as well as negative (’you don’t want to be part of the problem’) messaging.

The concept is elaborated on in FEMA’s “Are You Ready?” document (Thanks to Kris Schroeder’s Everybody’s Safe Twitter feed for the heads up.) In this piece, FEMA explains the why’s, what’s and who’s to citizen readiness noting:

“Every citizen in this country is part of a national emergency management system that is all about protection-protecting people and property from all types of hazards. Think of the national emergency management system as a pyramid with you, the citizen, forming the base of the structure. At this level, you have a responsibility to protect yourself and your family by knowing what to do before, during, and after an event.”

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Tags: Federal Emergency Management Administration

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