Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, August 30, 2012 – The Board of El Paso County Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing September as National Preparedness Month during Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting at Centennial Hall. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security, Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

Commissioner Peggy Littleton read the resolution into the record. “National Preparedness Month creates an important opportunity for the residents and business of El Paso County to prepare their homes, businesses, and communities for any type of emergency including natural disasters and potential terror attacks. Investing in the preparedness of ourselves, our families, businesses, and communities can reduce fatalities and economic devastation in our communities and in our nation.”
 
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa joined representatives from, the Salvation Army, Colorado Springs Utilities, American Red Cross, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Western Cyber Exchange and Care & Share spoke on various aspects of being prepared for emergencies.

“It’s events like the Waldo Canyon Fire that remind us of the threats that exist,” Sheriff Terry Maketa said. “But going back all the way to 1997, we had a deadly blizzard that hit our community. In 2001 we had a tornado that did significant damage in the eastern part of the County. We were doing emergency preparedness before it was cool. It wasn’t cool until after hurricane Katrina.”

Commissioner Littleton and Sheriff Maketa both urged citizens to take advantage of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training available to citizens who want to be better prepared when emergencies arise.   The program trains citizens in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The Sheriff’s Office will provide CERT classes upon request for groups, organizations and businesses. The Office recommends no fewer than 15 students per class. For more information please call the Emergency Services Division at (719) 575-8400.

In honor of National Preparedness Month the Sky Sox are hosting the 3rd Annual Community Emergency Preparedness Event at Security Service Field on Friday, August 31.  First responders and public safety experts will be available at the event. 

Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540   Cell: 337-9239 
DaveRose@elpasoco.com

Colorado Springs, CO, Thursday, August 30, 2012 – The Board of El Paso County Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing September as National Preparedness Month during Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting at Centennial Hall. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security, Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

Commissioner Peggy Littleton read the resolution into the record. “National Preparedness Month creates an important opportunity for the residents and business of El Paso County to prepare their homes, businesses, and communities for any type of emergency including natural disasters and potential terror attacks. Investing in the preparedness of ourselves, our families, businesses, and communities can reduce fatalities and economic devastation in our communities and in our nation.”
 
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa joined representatives from, the Salvation Army, Colorado Springs Utilities, American Red Cross, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Western Cyber Exchange and Care & Share spoke on various aspects of being prepared for emergencies.

“It’s events like the Waldo Canyon Fire that remind us of the threats that exist,” Sheriff Terry Maketa said. “But going back all the way to 1997, we had a deadly blizzard that hit our community. In 2001 we had a tornado that did significant damage in the eastern part of the County. We were doing emergency preparedness before it was cool. It wasn’t cool until after hurricane Katrina.”

Commissioner Littleton and Sheriff Maketa both urged citizens to take advantage of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training available to citizens who want to be better prepared when emergencies arise.   The program trains citizens in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The Sheriff’s Office will provide CERT classes upon request for groups, organizations and businesses. The Office recommends no fewer than 15 students per class. For more information please call the Emergency Services Division at (719) 575-8400.

In honor of National Preparedness Month the Sky Sox are hosting the 3rd Annual Community Emergency Preparedness Event at Security Service Field on Friday, August 31.  First responders and public safety experts will be available at the event. 

Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Phone: 520-6540   Cell: 337-9239 
DaveRose@elpasoco.com