FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or Scott Smith, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7400

September - National Preparedness Month

COLUMBIA, MO (August 31, 2010) - Are you and your family ready should a disaster strike? Do you know where to take shelter, where to meet family members if you become separated, or what supplies to have in the aftermath of a disaster? These are all questions to think about any time of the year, but it’s especially important during the annual “National Preparedness Month” in September.

“Our main focus during the month of September, as well as the entire year, is to make sure our residents are ready in the face of disaster,” says Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management Director Zim Schwartze. “Preparedness involves several different aspects, from having a smoke detector in your home, assembling an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about the various potential emergencies and their appropriate responses, and getting involved in disaster plans with your business, school, and church.”

Schwartze says residents should prepare for any kind of disaster. “It could be severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, earthquakes, or even a terrorist act. We may not be able to prevent or predict a disaster, but we can control our preparation and reaction to the event.”

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage individuals, families, businesses, schools and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies. The Office of Emergency Management has a number of publications available for persons interested in learning more about disaster preparedness. For more information, contact OEM at 874-7400 or log on to the OEM page of the city's website at www.GoColumbiaMo.com/EM.

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