"Emergency Preparedness Week" in Pennsylvania

Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed March 11-17 as "Weather Emergency Preparedness Week" in Pennsylvania. Throughout the week, county and local officials will test plans and procedures for response to severe weather conditions.

"It is critical for everyone to understand the dangerous impact severe weather can pose and how to react," said Governor Rendell. "'Weather Emergency Preparedness Week' allows local officials, emergency managers and first responders across the commonwealth to review plans and test procedures."

Governor Rendell noted that recent natural events are a reminder that being adequately prepared is essential to protecting public safety and safeguarding property. He urged Pennsylvanians to be prepared for all types of severe weather.

"From flooding last June and tornadoes in December, to the winter storm we witnessed just last month, Pennsylvania is susceptible to harsh conditions," said Governor Rendell. "Designating a 'Weather Emergency Preparedness Week' should serve as an added reminder to everyone--from our state agencies to businesses and residents--that we must be ready to handle these conditions."

Some "Weather Emergency Preparedness Week" activities will include community-based public information programs, a one-day exercise, and a statewide test of the Emergency Alert System network.

According to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director James R. Joseph, the statewide exercise will allow county emergency managers to work with schools, nursing homes, hospitals and day care centers across the state to test and review emergency response plans under non-emergency conditions for any type of disaster, natural or man-made.

PEMA and the National Weather Service will issue exercise-based weather reports of developing conditions. Reports will be carried via normal weather forecast outlets and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. The messages will be identified as being part of the exercise.

Each of the 67 county emergency management coordinators, all 501 school districts, more than 300 hospitals and 600 nursing homes, and day care centers across the state have been invited to participate in the weeklong activities.

"I am confident these exercises will help government agencies, businesses and special-care facilities better prepare for whatever Mother Nature may bring," Joseph said. "This level of preparedness translates directly into lives saved and property protected."

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency