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It's National Preparedness Month

by MADISON HARDY
Staff Writer | September 2, 2020 1:00 AM

The Boy Scouts don't have a monopoly on being prepared.

Failure to do so can be disastrous.

That's why the Board of County Commissioners and Kootenai County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management team are promoting September as National Preparedness Month.

On Tuesday, commissioners unanimously passed a proclamation that dedicates September to encouraging and educating Kootenai residents on preparing for disaster.

"In light of what we just went through with COVID and having to sign the Emergency Proclamation on March 15 of this year, I think it's especially important to set aside a month to recognize the importance of preparedness," Commissioner Chris Fillios said.

The proclamation goal is to increase education on preparing for and overcoming national and human-made disasters, as well as potential terrorist attacks. Posed by Office of Emergency Management coordinator Cody Pace, the OEM and commissioners will work closely to instill preparedness in the home, schools, businesses, and county.

"The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management (will) provide emergency preparedness presentations to citizens, businesses, first responders and civic and youth groups informing them on how to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies," Pace said.

Also, the OEM plans to support volunteer activities that make the Kootenai County community safer and better prepared for emergencies.

"Typically, our office will host in-person events for the month of September to encourage and educate about preparedness," Pace said. "This year, we are focusing on increasing our social media and online presence due to COVID-19."

Kootenai County's Office of Emergency Management's Facebook page will be posting regular updates on preparedness concepts and how families can plan for a disaster. Pace said Coyote Country Radio station would play the OEM's public service announcement encouraging residents to sign up for "Alert Kootenai."

In a White House Proclamation signed by President Donald Trump regarding National Preparedness Month, he encouraged that all Americans take intentional, precautionary measures to ensure "the resilience of their families, homes, communities, and businesses."

"Despite the unprecedented nature and scope of the challenges we have faced, the American people have remained resolute in their determination to overcome any adversity," Trump said. "My Administration will continue to work with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to ensure the country is prepared to meet any challenges that may arise."

The National Preparedness Month is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's "Ready Campaign" dedicated each week in September to preparing Americans for crises.

Part of FEMA's precautionary steps includes setting plans for communication with family and friends, gathering two weeks' worth of necessary supplies, knowing the risks of disasters in your surroundings, and teaching the younger generations how to handle disasters independently.

"I always want to be in a position to help others, so it is very important to be prepared for potential disasters. Our family has been able to meet the needs of many over the past decade by donating food, clothing, and first aid supplies," Duncan said. "We've been able to help neighbors with downed trees in the roadway after windstorms. Had we not been prepared with equipment and fuel, our neighbors would have to wait for overburdened utility crews or busy private vendors."

Info: www.facebook.com/kootenaiOEM, www.kcsheriff.com/228/Alert-Kootenai