For Release 12/27/06

While the majority of people are aware of the importance of emergency preparedness, most do not make preparedness a priority. It is thought to be expensive or too overwhelming a task in our time-pinched lives. To encourage and assist residents to become prepared, Canton's Emergency Management office is introducing a new initiative called "Do 1 Thing."

The goal is for residents to do one thing per month to increase their level of preparedness. This is an easy, financially affordable way to become better prepared. The first step of the "Do 1 Thing" initiative will be to purchase and store water, since it is essential to life.

In the following months residents will be urged to take steps towards preparedness by acquiring other essential items such as canned foods, flashlight with batteries, and a first aid kit. Preparedness will also include creating a family communications plan and learning about emergency shelters in your area. Items will be promoted monthly to help residents build on their preparedness one step at a time. Look for "Do 1 Thing" monthly suggestions in Canton's FOCUS newsletter, Canton's Web site, and Canton's community access television channels.

For more information, go to www.canton-mi.org/publicsafety or www.do1thing.us. You may also call Canton's Emergency Management office at 734/394-5357 or send email to krich@canton-mi.org.