IMPROVING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

WHEREAS, the Federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act defines the 16 potential disasters that can occur in the United States, including tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, landslide, mudslide, drought, fire, flood, explosion, hurricane, snow storm, and volcanic eruption; and

WHEREAS, in the United States in 2011 there were 99 Disaster Declarations; 29 Emergency Declarations; and 114 Fire Management Assistance Declarations; accounting for approximately $52 billion in damage costs; and

WHEREAS, natural and manmade disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, property loss and damage; and

WHEREAS, disasters disrupt individuals, families, communities, and governments; and

WHEREAS, emergency preparedness is the cornerstone of survival and recovery in the event of any disaster situation; the first 48 hours immediately following such an event are vital in the ability of individuals, communities, and public entities to effectively respond to a disaster; and prepared citizens are able to alleviate the burden on first-responders in disaster situations; and

WHEREAS, September is designated National Preparedness Month by the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on preparing citizens and communities to become better prepared for and more resilient in the face of life-threatening disasters; and

WHEREAS, early-warning systems and mass emergency alert notifications for a variety of disasters can assist individuals, communities, and governments in reducing the impact of disasters and may save lives and prevent injuries; and  

WHEREAS, effective collaboration between communities, businesses, and government can lead to a stronger disaster response and more seamless resource allocation; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors encourages cities, counties and states to endorse the ideals of National Preparedness Month in preparing and engaging communities to prepare for disaster situations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors endorses the formation and strengthening of public-private partnerships in emergency preparedness and response; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors encourages increasing the resources available to jurisdictions for investments in disaster early-warning infrastructure.