September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month was established in 2005 to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. While ProtectingAmerica.org urges you to be prepared for catastrophe 365 days a year, public recognition of September as a month of increased awareness greatly supports our efforts and creates dialogue on ways to ensure that every American is ready for the unthinkable.

A message from Admiral James Loy, former deputy secretary of Homeland Security and ProtectingAmerica.org co-chair:

'Now is the time to establish safety and communications plans with your family, strengthen your home, and take the necessary action to minimize the impact of a disaster.  Even in the instance of predicted events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, beginning preparation after your local weather station reports a potential disaster is much too late to effectively protect your loved ones and belongings.'.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States

Obama Backs National Catastrophe Insurance Reserve

In his report, 'Rebuilding the Gulf Coast and Preventing Future Catastrophes,' U.S. Senator Barack Obama outlines his plan to ensure that catastrophic failures in emergency response never happen again. Obama laid out the specific steps he will take as president, including the creating of an insurance backstop, to move the region's recovery forward and ensure that the next time disaster strikes, the government is ready.

Read the full report.

Double Trouble For Hawaii:

August Brings Earthquake and Hurricane Threat

This month, Hawaiians braced for the arrival of Hurricane Flossie only to encounter another threatening force of nature - an earthquake. The magnitude 5.4 quake shook residents as they prepared for the hurricane barreling toward the Aloha State.

Luckily, Flossie passed along the southern area of Hawaii, missing a direct hit to the Big Island by a mere 100 miles, and no major damage was reported as a result of the earthquake.

Read more.

Testing Texas:

Hurricane Dean Exercises Texas Disaster Plans

After Hurricane Dean battered Jamaica, leaving behind $8 billion in damage, Texas officials began to execute the state’s extensive hurricane evacuation plan. Moving in an uncertain direction, the storm’s Category 5 status and 150 mph winds posed enough of a threat to the Gulf Coast of Texas to mobilize over 25,000 individuals involved in the effort.

Dennis Storemski, Houston's Public Safety and Homeland Security director told the Houston Chronicle, 'It actually turned out to be a very good exercise. What we learned is all the work that we've done since Rita, will work.'

Read more.

COALITION MEMBER NEWS:

The American Iron and Steel Institute

Hurricane Prone Homeowners Prefer to Build with Steel

When asked what construction material they would prefer when framing their house if living in an area prone to hurricanes, 69 percent of homeowners prefer steel as their material of choice.

The survey, conducted by the global research firm Harris Interactive, also found that 42 percent of consumers say that steel is the roofing material they would prefer if living in an area that could be affected by hurricanes. These findings indicate that consumers recognize the important role that steel plays in protecting their homes and families.

Read more.

Building Smarter and Stronger:

Vulnerable Infrastructure Endangers Americans

The tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, MN, stresses the importance of reliable, modern and retrofitted infrastructure across America, and particularly in known seismic areas. When built to withstand extreme elements, bridges and roadways are paramount in effective evacuations and the delivery of survival supplies before, during and after emergencies.

Read more.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

DO YOU HAVE NEWS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE IN OUR COALITION SPOTLIGHT?

WRITE US AT ENEWS@PROTECTINGAMERICA.ORG AND LET US KNOW HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION IS WORKING TO BETTER PROTECT AMERICA FROM CATASTROPHE. YOUR NEWS WILL BE ADDED TO THE WEB SITE AND FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING NEWSLETTER.

See a list of our coalition members.

ProtectingAmerica.org's mission is to raise awareness, educate the public and policymakers, and offer solutions that will better prepare and protect America from major catastrophe in a sensible, cost-effective fashion. Please contact enews@protectingamerica.org if you have any questions or comments.