[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to proclaim September 2012 
as Alaska Preparedness Month. No one can predict when or where the next 
crisis will be, and as a state that is particularly vulnerable to 
natural disasters and human-caused emergencies, it is essential that 
Alaskans be prepared to respond to any crisis that may arise.
  The American public remains largely uninformed on and unprepared for 
possible disasters and other life-threatening emergencies in their 
communities. Since government agencies and disaster organizations 
cannot bear sole responsibility for preparing and responding to 
disasters, it is important for all to plan ahead.
  National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort led by the 
American Red Cross to raise awareness about the importance of planning 
for all types of emergencies. Held each September, National 
Preparedness Month aims to encourage American households to learn more 
about preparedness and to create a family disaster plan.
  It is my hope that by proclaiming September 2012 as Alaska 
Preparedness Month, Alaskans will be inspired to make sure they are 
well-equipped to deal with any and all possible crises in the 
future.

                          ____________________