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September is National Preparedness Month,
and this year's observance takes on special significance,
as we remember those who lost their lives 10 years ago on September 11th.
Over the past year, we've introduced the NASA family to the concept of family preparedness.
You've been provided access to resources that will help you develop plans to take care of your family,
and even pets, whenever an emergency arises.
As the program evolves, additional resources will be made available to include topics such as urban survival.
In an effort to reach everyone in the family, a NASA kid's corner is being developed on the family preparedness Web site,
which will be full of downloadable resources and activities for your children to increase their awareness.
Our NASA family has to be prepared for a natural disaster or terrorist attack that could happen at any time or place throughout the country.
Here's Pete Worden to discuss why family preparedness is so important to you at Ames.
Hi, I'm Pete Worden, Director of NASA's Ames Research Center.
As part of NASA's observance of National Preparedness Month, it is my pleasure today to remind you of the importance of having an emergency plan
for you and your families. As many of you know, Ames is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is prime earthquake territory, as so it now appears is Virginia.
In fact, we like to say, it is not if there is going to be an earthquake in the Bay Area, but when.
In order to be prepared for the next major earthquake, or any other disaster for that matter, we all need to be prepared to deal with the emergency,
whether it occurs while we are at home, or at work.
You may not be able to be with your family, and your normal means of communications, such as your cell phones, may not work.
Gas stations, banks, and grocery stores may not be open. It is likely to be a chaotic time.
So, having an emergency plan can help you, and your loved ones, remain calm during the disaster.
So my message to you is a simple one: make a plan, stay informed, be prepared. Thank you.
Remember, when it comes to preparedness, it's up to you to make sure everyone in your family knows their stuff. This is a mission at which we cannot afford to fail.