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>> GEORGE: Hello, I'm George Sheldon, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Administration
for Children and Families.
September is National Preparedness Month and I want to ask all of you to take time this
month to be a "Preparedness Hero".
Now in its tenth year, FEMA's National Preparedness Month is a nationwide, month-long effort to
encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.
Disasters can strike anywhere at any time.
That's why being prepared in advance is so critical.
Preparation saves lives, minimizes trauma, and quickens recovery.
The Administration for Children and Families is committed to helping prepare people, families
and communities for disasters and assisting them in the recovery process.
There have been hundreds of disasters over the past year.
One of the most significant disasters was Super-storm Sandy.
Nearly a year has passed since Sandy made landfall. Yet, signs of the destruction can
still be seen and felt in the communities affected by the storm.
Many of you may be vulnerable in the future to hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires,
earthquakes, tsunamis and other possible disasters that can affect you and your family.
In order to help others, you must be able to help yourself first. Once you and your
family are secure, you can assist your friends and neighbors.
Preparing starts with four important steps:
First, be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community. Identify good
sources of information that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency.
Second, make a family plan as to what to do in an emergency. Be sure to consider all the
contingencies. What if you or your spouse is at work? What if your kids are in school
or at a child care center? What about your pets?
Third, build an emergency supply kit.
And finally, get involved. Join emergency planning efforts in your communities.
ACF is committed to helping you prepare. Our Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness
and Response will work throughout the month to help you, your families and organizations
become preparedness heroes.
Each of our 10 regional offices has a Regional Emergency Management Specialist who can provide
technical assistance on how to develop emergency plans. Reach out to them if your organization
needs help.
Several of our ACF programs have developed emergency resource materials, including the
Office of Head Start, the Runaway and Homeless Youth program, and the Office of Child Care.
All these resources and more information are available on our website: www.acf.hhs.gov
ACF, as an organization, is taking steps to prepare, not only during National Preparedness
Month but all year long.
I urge you to take time to do the same in your homes and communities.
Please visit our website and find us on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about National Preparedness
Month and find resources to prepare.
When disaster strikes, be ready to be a hero for your family and community.
Thank you.