September is a time to remember and prepare

Governor declares September as Preparedness Month LANSING, MI--While our nation remembers the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging citizens to be prepared before an emergency strikes. In support of the nationwide effort to build a safer and more resilient America, Governor Rick Snyder has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan ''As we honor and remember the victims, survivors and the many who rose in service in response to the 9/11 tragedy, this time serves as a reminder that each of us plays a critical role in preparing our families and communities before an emergency event,'' stated Governor Snyder. ''I strongly encourage Michigan residents to take simple steps to prepare their families and communities by developing a family emergency plan and creating a supply kit with essential items.'' In support of this year's Preparedness Month theme, ''A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.'', the MSP is planning several initiatives paying special tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, while stressing the importance of emergency preparedness, including a 9/11 Remembrance and Candlelight Vigil. The event will be held on Sunday, September 11 at the East Lawn of the State Capitol beginning at 7 p.m. ''The best way to honor the victims of 9/11 is to ensure our families and communities are prepared for future disasters and emergencies,'' said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. ''It's recommended that individuals and families plan for the need to be self-reliant for up to three days without utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or other local services.'' Being prepared can be as simple as following the four steps to preparedness: * Find out what emergencies may impact your community. * Develop a plan for what to do during an emergency. * Create an emergency supply kit with essential items, such as food, water and medications. * Practice and maintain your plan so everyone knows what to do. Additional Preparedness Month initiatives include: * Providing daily emergency preparedness tips with simple ways to prepare before, during and after an emergency, which will be issued on the Twitter account for the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/ EMHSD). * Distributing an enhanced Family Preparedness Guide with step-by-step guidance on how to prepare and respond to all types of hazards. * Encouraging citizens to help make their communities safer by joining a local Citizen Corps Program. * Reminding citizens to be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior or activity and immediately notify law enforcement. For more information on Preparedness Month initiatives and simple steps to prepare, visit the MSP/EMHSD website at www.michigan.gov/emhsd. This year marks the eighth annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) promoting the need to prepare nationwide. The MSP/ EMHSD is a registered Coalition Member of NPM partnering with organizations nationwide to spread the message of emergency preparedness. As a part of NPM, organizations statewide are hosting activities to engage citizens in preparing their families. A calendar of events is available online at www.ready. gov. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants. Copyright © 2011 State of Michigan Published: Mon, Sep 12, 2011