"It is critical Floridians prepare their families, homes and businesses for any emergency that may impact our state," said Governor Bush. "Every Floridian should have a family disaster plan and disaster supply kit. Prepared residents enable government to focus on the needs of Florida's most vulnerable populations."
Florida joins more than 1,150 public- and private-sector organizations nationally that are promoting emergency preparedness through hundreds of events and activities in communities across the country. "The better prepared our communities are, the better able they will be to withstand the impacts of future disasters and protect our high quality of life," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate. "Everyone can play a key role in changing outcomes by getting involved in their local community."
"For those residents that do not have a family disaster plan, we hope that this annual reminder will encourage them to do so," said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey. "A prepared Florida is a safer Florida."
State, local enforcement, emergency management and volunteer agency officials are encouraging residents to get involved in local preparedness efforts, such as Citizens Corps, Community Emergency Response Teams and local faith and community-based organizations. Volunteer organizations -- such as the Red Cross -- play a vital role in both local and state emergency response.
"Governor Bush has asked all Floridians to participate in creating a 'culture of preparedness'," said Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Wendy Spencer. "I urge you to make volunteering an integral part of your disaster plans. True disaster preparedness means being ready to help your friends and neighbors when a disaster strikes."
