Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Urges Residents To Be Prepared

VISALIA - The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency announced today their support for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign. In partnership with The Advertising Council, DHS is introducing a series of tools to further engage Americans in taking steps to prepare for emergencies.

"We feel that it is extremely important to support positive campaigns such as this one, as we work to spread the importance of emergency preparedness throughout our community," said Judith Richmond, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

The DHS's goal is to engage Americans in taking the three simple steps communicated in the Ready Campaign: (1) Get an emergency supply kit; (2) Make a family emergency plan; and (3) Be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.

At the center of the initiative is a new Web page on www.ready.gov, entitled “Be Prepared,” which features local emergency contact information, an instructional video, and emergency kit checklists. The program also includes a tool with which visitors can create their own Family Emergency Plan.

Tulare County Department of Health will work to include the Ready Campaign information in their public health preparedness programs through distributed materials, and outreach. Additionally, by recognizing events such as National Preparedness Month, Health officials "Resolve to be Ready in 2009" and beyond.

"It is important for us that we support the Ready Campaign, and we hope all residents of Tulare County will "Resolve to be Ready in 2009," said Richmond. "Taking simple steps now can minimize the impact an emergency can have on themselves and their family."

For more information on The Ready Campaign, and Resolve to be Ready in 2009,
call 1-800-BE-READY, or visit www.ready.gov.

Media Contact:
Allison M. Lambert, Media Specialist
Health & Human Services Agency
(559) 737-4660 x 2607