2 September 2005

Governor encourages Kansans to be prepared for disaster
Governor Sebelius proclaims September as Kansas Preparedness Month

In light of the recent devastation to our neighbors in the South, emergency preparedness becomes even more critical. Urging all Kansans to be prepared in the event of an emergency, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed a proclamation on Monday, August 29, declaring September as “Kansas Preparedness Month.”

“The recent events surrounding Hurricane Katrina solemnly remind us how important it is to be prepared for emergencies,” said Sebelius. “Here in Kansas, tornadoes, floods, grass fires and other disasters have been a part of our lives since our first days as a territory. Through the simple act of assembling a home emergency kit, each one of us can make ourselves better prepared to face disaster, should it come our way.”

Throughout the month of September, communities, businesses, families and individuals are urged to make, review and practice their emergency plans and check emergency supplies to be better prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. For information on how to be better prepared, go to www.ksready.gov.

“We’re in the emergency preparedness business, so we continually review our emergency response procedures, practice those procedures and see how we can improve them so we can better protect the health and safety of the people we serve,” said Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security. “However, this is something that every Kansan can and should do on a regular basis, at home and in the workplace.”

There will be a kick-off for Kansas Preparedness Month on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Kansas Statehouse. Plans include a short ceremony including remarks by Governor Sebelius, Maj. Gen. Bunting and Colonel William Seck, Kansas Highway Patrol. There will also be a number of displays and information booths about emergency preparedness, plus free food while supplies last. Citizens are invited to attend and learn how they can be better prepared to face emergencies that strike the community.