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CONTACT:
Sharon Watson
Director, Public Affairs Office
Work: (785) 274-1192
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Sept. 3, 2009

No. 09- 092 

GOVERNOR SIGNS PROCLAMATION FOR KANSAS PREPAREDNESS MONTH

    Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson signed a proclamation today, Thursday, Sept. 3, designating September as “Kansas Preparedness Month.” Kansas Preparedness Month creates a significant opportunity for every Kansan to learn more about ways to prepare for all types of emergencies from natural disasters to manmade events.

“Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every Kansan,” said Parkinson. “If we plan ahead, we can help prevent hardship and loss of life from natural and manmade disasters.”

A news conference to highlight Kansas Emergency Preparedness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office at the State Capitol.

Kansas Preparedness Month is an effort to involve citizens in all aspects of emergency preparedness, from natural disasters to counter-terrorism efforts. Through events and activities during Kansas Preparedness Day at the State Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 15, citizens will have opportunities to learn how they can prepare for emergencies, make a family emergency kit, establish family communications and become better aware of threats that may impact them and their community. Prizes will also be available.

“We invite Kansans to join us at the State Fair on Sept. 15 to see state and local emergency equipment, view various demonstrations and pick up information on preparing themselves and their families for a disaster,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general. “Information in a disaster can be life-saving and we want everyone to have it in advance of something happening.”

Emergency responders advise families and businesses to formulate an emergency plan detailing what every member should know in the event of tornado, flood, fire or other emergencies, including safe shelter areas, location of supplies, communication plans and rendezvous points.
Preparing a home emergency kit is another simple way that every citizen can help their families be prepared. A basic home emergency kit should contain such items as:

  • Water – one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation
  • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Include a manual can opener if canned items are selected.
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle – to signal for help  
  • Filter mask or cotton T-shirt – to help filter air
  • Moist towelettes – for sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers – to turn off utilities  
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape – to shelter in place
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties  
  • Special family needs – medicines, infant formula, diapers, important documents, etc.

Such an emergency kit will allow families to survive without power, water or other basic necessities until help can arrive.

For information on preparing a basic home emergency kit and other emergency preparedness measures, go to: www.ksready.gov  and www.ready.gov.

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