PROCLAMATION

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2009 AS

National Preparedness Month

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WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security first sponsored National Preparedness Month in 2004 as a nationwide effort to increase personal preparedness for emergencies and large-scale disasters in local communities; and

WHEREAS, San Mateo County is bisected by the San Andreas fault, host to San Francisco International Airport and home to a spectacular coastline at constant risk of tsunami-borne flooding; and

WHEREAS, a large-scale regional emergency – natural or otherwise – could result in whole neighborhoods or even entire cities on the Peninsula isolated and cut-off for a week or longer; and

WHEREAS, individuals and families must be prepared with the basic essentials of food, water and first-aid supplies to help themselves and perhaps injured neighbors as limited governmental resources are prioritized and directed accordingly; and

WHEREAS, information and education are key components of proper preparedness for residents and employers alike, and the distribution and gathering of such information is a common responsibility shared by all.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County hereby designates September 2009 as National Preparedness Month in San Mateo County, and joins more than 200 national, regional and local organizations in encouraging all homes, businesses and schools on the Peninsula to evaluate and update their plans for the aftermath of a large-scale emergency. And because disaster can strike the Bay Area at any time with little or no warning, the Board further highlights the vital importance of constant vigilance and preparedness during National Preparedness Month as well as throughout the year.

Dated: SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

SUPERVISORS:

MARK CHURCH, PRESIDENT

CAROLE GROOM

RICHARD S. GORDON

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors