WHEREAS, every part of Idaho is vulnerable to disasters like flooding, severe storms, high winds, power outages, tornadoes, earthquakes or wildfires; and

        WHEREAS, the number of declared major disasters has nearly doubled since the 1980s; and

        WHEREAS, only 7 percent of Americans are considered ready with a disaster kit and a communication plan and are prepared to respond to a disaster; and

        WHEREAS, wildfires and house fires threaten the safety of Idahoans more than any other disaster; and

        WHEREAS, the lessons of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks demonstrate the importance of being prepared; and

        WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all Idahoans to better prepare their homes and communities for emergencies; and

        WHEREAS, the federal government, state agencies, local government and the non-profit community must work together to provide information and assistance giving Idahoans the tools necessary to protect themselves; and

        WHEREAS, Idaho’s first responders put themselves at risk for the safety of their fellow citizens; and

        WHEREAS, protecting America’s homeland and citizens is the shared responsibility of the entire state of Idaho, the nation and its citizens; and

        WHEREAS, individuals can prepare themselves and their families for emergencies by taking simple steps such as organizing an emergency supply kit, making a preparedness plan and becoming informed about different threat;.

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim September 2007 to be

National Preparedness Month

in Idaho.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 18th day of September in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-second and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eighteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE