Making Preparedness A Priority

As horrific attacks on 9/11 in the United States, and subsequent attacks in London, Madrid, Besland, and Bali demonstrate, the threat of terrorism is still very real. By implementing the Collins-Lieberman Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 and other initiatives by the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement, we have made strides in preventing another attack from occurring in the United States. It is, however, imperative that our country continue to improve our ability to respond to an attack. In addition to the threat of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, such as tornados, hurricanes, and ice-storms, can strike, and we must be prepared to respond as effectively as possible.

During September, the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross will cosponsor National Preparedness Month 2005. As a strong advocate for emergency preparedness, I am pleased to once again be serving as an Honorary Congressional Co-Chair of National Preparedness Month. I am joined in this effort by Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign that will involve more than 130 organizations hosting and sponsoring activities across the nation to promote better disaster preparedness. Each of us can play a valuable role in emergencies, easing the strain on our dedicated first responders, the emergency medical personnel, firefighters, and police officers who are first on the scene when disasters strike. There are many ways you can get involved: learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, donate blood, or research your community's specific plans for response to disasters and other emergencies. Families, schools, and businesses can prepare by making emergency supply kits, becoming informed about emergencies, and creating communications plans.

A communications plan is necessary. It is important to consider how you will get in touch with your family members and where you will meet away from your home, in the case it is in an area that is evacuated or otherwise affected by the disaster. It is also important to know the emergency plans of your children's school or daycare center.

Once you have a communications plan, consider putting together an emergency supply kit for your family to use in the event of an emergency. While the specifics of each family's kit will vary, experts suggest that all emergency kits include three gallons of water for each person, a three-day supply of food, and a battery-operated radio. The emergency kit may be your family's lifeline – make sure the kit contains prescription and over-the-counter medication, hygiene supplies, and important family documents. You can find a complete list of suggested emergency kit items at www.ready.gov.

Being trained in first aid, CPR, automated external defibrillation (AED), or American Red Cross Community Disaster Education also could make a difference for your family and community in the event of a disaster.

Whether a terrorist attack or natural disaster, preparedness is an essential line of defense. By planning and using common sense, we can greatly increase the likelihood of coming through an emergency safely.

I encourage all Mainers who have further questions about National Preparedness Month to visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or the Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov.

As the fourth anniversary of September 11th approaches, we all should be proud that this nation answered the enemy's terrorism with American resolve and courage. With this campaign, we affirm that America is not a nation in fear. We are a nation prepared. ###