Governor Rendell Proclaims Weather Emergency Preparedness Week March 9 - 15

Encourages Public to Prepare for Weather Emergencies

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed March 9-15 as "Weather Emergency Preparedness Week" in Pennsylvania. Throughout the week, county and local officials will test plans and procedures for response to severe weather conditions.

"Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere throughout Pennsylvania," said Governor Rendell. "It is critical that people, communities and schools understand its potentially dangerous impact and are prepared for any natural disaster. Weather Emergency Preparedness Week gives local officials, emergency managers and first responders the chance to review plans and test procedures."

Governor Rendell said recent weather events are a reminder that being adequately prepared is essential to protecting public safety and safeguarding property. He urged Pennsylvanians to be prepared for all types of severe weather.

"From flooding and tornados to winter storms, Pennsylvania is susceptible to harsh conditions," Governor Rendell said. "Designating this important week should remind everyone--from our state agencies to businesses and residents--that we must be ready to handle these conditions."

Some of the planned "Weather Emergency Preparedness Week" activities will include community-based public information programs, a one-day exercise, and a statewide test of the emergency alert system network.

According to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert P. French, the statewide exercise will allow county emergency managers to work with schools, nursing homes, hospitals and day care centers across the state to test and review emergency response plans under non-emergency conditions for any type of disaster, natural or man-made.

PEMA and the National Weather Service will issue exercise-based weather reports of developing conditions. Reports will be carried via normal weather forecast outlets and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. The messages will be identified as being part of the exercise.

Each of the 67 county emergency management coordinators, all school districts, more than 300 hospitals and 600 nursing homes, and day care centers across the state have been invited to participate in the weeklong activities.

"I am confident these exercises will help everyone to better prepare for whatever Mother Nature may bring," French said. "This level of preparedness translates directly into lives saved and property protected."

For more information on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, visit http://www.pema.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of Governor Rendell's Weather Emergency Preparedness Week proclamation is attached.

PROCLAMATION

WEATHER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK

March 9-15, 2008

WHEREAS, flooding impacted many Pennsylvania communities, resulting in widespread damage to public and private property; and

WHEREAS, of the range of natural disasters that can occur in the Commonwealth, flooding is by far the most common, due in part to our mountainous terrain and our nation-leading 83,000-mile network of rivers, creeks and streams, Pennsylvania being recognized as one of the most flood prone states in the nation; and

WHEREAS, heavy rains and flash flooding may result in extensive damage to roads, streets, bridges, private homes, and businesses, and may cause other adverse impacts upon the general population Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to assist state, county and municipal governments i preparing for, responding to, and recovering from these disasters; and

WHEREAS, each year, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), along with county emergency management officials and the U.S. National Weather Service, administers a week-long weather emergency preparedness program to alert citizens and elected officials to severe weather related dangers; and

WHEREAS, in addition to educational and public information programs, the March 13 statewide exercise provides county and local emergency personnel, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and day care centers the opportunity to test the effectiveness of their emergency response plans and procedures; and

WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Emergency Alert System, which provides an essential communications link between government and citizens during an emergency, will be tested statewide through over 400 radio and television stations; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the need to adequately prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, it is critical to support educational and training programs throughout the Commonwealth.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 9-15, 2008, as WEATHER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK in Pennsylvania.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this first day of March in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirtieth.

EDWARD G. RENDELL
Governor

CONTACT:
Maria A. Finn, PEMA
(717) 651-2009

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Maria A. Finn of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,
+1-717-651-2009

Web Site: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/
http://www.pema.state.pa.us/

2008-03-07 17:25:19 0307537 PRNEWSWIRE