Date:09/09/04
Gov. Blagojevich proclaims September "Homeland Security Begins at Home Month"
Public Service Announcement encourages government, businesses and citizens to prepare for disasters
SPRINGFIELD On the federally-proclaimed
National Preparedness Day, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged Illinois
citizens to develop preparedness plans so they will be prepared for any type of
disaster, whether it be a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Gov.
Blagojevich also issued a state proclamation naming September Homeland
Security Begins at Home Month.
The State of Illinois is aggressively
preparing for emergency response on several levels, but citizens can and should
take actions of their own to protect their businesses and themselves, Gov.
Blagojevich said. Today is National Preparedness Day, and to drive home
how important it is for individuals to prepare, I proclaimed September as
Homeland Security Begins at Home Month.
In his proclamation, Gov. Blagojevich urged
all state agencies, counties, cities, companies and citizens to develop
preparedness plans and programs to respond to natural and man-made disasters
that can affect the well-being of this state.
In coordination with the Governors
proclamation, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF) is raising public
awareness through a 30-second television public service announcement
emphasizing the home preparedness theme. The ITTF also recently developed an
informational brochure, Together We Prepare, with details on what families
can do before and during a disaster. The brochure and additional
information is available on the Illinois Emergency Management Agencys website
at www.state.il.us/iema or by contacting your local emergency management agency.
The Governors proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, our
country is approaching the third anniversary of the tragic attacks of September
11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, as we
remember this dark day in American history, it is important that we, as a
Nation and as a State, rededicate ourselves to securing our homeland and our
precious way of life; and
WHEREAS, in
accordance with our continued commitment to protecting this country, the month
of September 2004 has been designated National Preparedness Month, and September
9, 2004 has been designated National Preparedness Day; and
WHEREAS, the
outstanding Homeland Security efforts here in Illinois have been the result of
participation from all levels of government in all regions of the state.
These efforts affect citizens from every walk of life and in every
community of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, we
have seen numerous examples in this state of how corporate and citizen
preparedness have saved lives. Through security planning and disaster
protection training, Illinois is well equipped to deal with any future threats
to our homeland; and
WHEREAS, in
accordance with this proclamation, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force will be
releasing Public Service Announcements throughout the state titled Homeland
Security Begins at Home. Additionally, the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency, and local emergency management agencies, are always available to
provide preparedness information and assistance to the people of this state.
THEREFORE, I, Rod Blagojevich, Governor of
the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim September 2004 as HOMELAND
SECURITY BEGINS AT HOME MONTH in Illinois, and urge all state agencies,
counties, cities, companies and citizens to develop preparedness plans and
programs to respond to natural and man-made disasters that can affect the
well-being of this state.
|
