Happy fall to everyone! The weather is cooling down, kids are back in school. And, September is a special month for this and other reasons as well.
First, September 11, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York, Pentagon in Washington, and the downing of the airliner in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This is a somber time, and as recent incidents remind us, threats similar to those we faced on that date still exist. We remember those we lost and commit to do all we can to avoid a repeat of that tragedy. That’s why the Center engages in preparedness activities and diligence every day.
Secondly, September is National Preparedness Month, and I encourage everyone to work to ensure that you, your family, your school, your workplace, your church, etc. are prepared for the inevitable emergency incident. A primary tenet in emergency preparedness is that it begins with the individual. No matter who and where you are when calamity strikes, it takes time for responders and others to arrive. You must be prepared to take care of yourself until that help is in place.
Please take a moment to review the resources listed on our website that supports individual and group preparedness.
And lastly, the Center is engaged in a number of evolving incidents and initiatives, including Ebola, Zika, recovery from the June 23rd catastrophic flooding and now the ever expanding Opioid crisis. It’s never a dull moment. Thanks to all of you for your continuing support of preparedness and our work here at CTP.