Updates

FEMA Region V Administrator Velasquez Encourages Americans To Resolve To Be Ready In 2011

Release Number: R5-10-044

CHICAGO, Ill. - With the holiday season upon us and 2011 fast approaching, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging all Americans to make emergency preparedness one of their New Year's resolutions for the coming year.

Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is a nationwide effort urging individuals, families, businesses and communities to focus on being ready and aware of all the hazards that exist in their communities.

"Emergencies can happen at any time, whether it's a natural disaster or a power outage," said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator for FEMA Region V. "Taking the steps to prepare for emergencies must become part of our daily lives. When individuals and communities are prepared, everyone will be ready to respond should a disaster strike."

Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is one resolution anyone can keep. Free tools and resources are available at www.Ready.gov or the Spanish language site, www.Listo.gov.  These sites include important information such as what items to include in an emergency supply kit for your home and car, how to make an emergency plan and how to prepare for hazards that may impact your area.

The recent winter storms throughout the Midwest serve as a reminder of the season's unique dangers. Velasquez encourages individuals and families planning to travel this winter to resolve to be ready by taking a few simple steps. "Everyone can begin putting together emergency supply kits for their home, as well as their vehicle," he said. "Motorists can find themselves in dangerous weather conditions without notice, and it's important to be prepared for the unexpected."

Resolve to be Ready is led by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council.  Local events are happening all over the country to underscore the importance of getting people of all ages to make a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.  For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.