MESSAGE TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EMPLOYEES FROM ASSOCIATE DEPUTY SECRETARY JAMES E. CASON: September is National Preparedness Month, and the Department of the Interior is joining a wide variety of national, State, and local organizations in educating the public about preparing for emergencies. This year’s theme is: “Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, Get Involved.” When unexpected natural or man-made emergencies occur, your greatest individual defense is preparedness.  

I urge you and your family to become better prepared for emergencies. Getting an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and identifying preparedness and response resources within our communities are several things we can do to equip ourselves and our families.  

The National Preparedness theme of each week will focus attention on important aspects of preparedness planning:  

•   Week One (September 1-8): Back-to-School and Ready Kids
•   Week Two (September 9-15): Business Preparedness and Ready Business
•   Week Three (September 16-22): Multicultural Preparedness (coinciding with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month)
•   Week Four (September 23-30): Home and Family Preparedness (including older and disabled Americans, as well as pet owners)

For a nationwide calendar of events, preparedness checklists, and other information on National Preparedness Month, please visit <www.ready.gov>. Information specific to Interior can be found at <www.nbc.gov/facilities/oep/index.html>.

Presidential Proclamation for National Preparedness Month;
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070830-4.html