September 4, Canton, MI - President Bush has declared September as National Preparedness Month.  It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all American's to better prepare their homes and communities for emergencies.
Protecting America's homeland and citizens is the shared responsibility of the entire Nation. Individuals can prepare themselves and their families for emergencies by taking simple steps such as organizing an emergency supply kit, making a personal preparedness plan, becoming informed about different threats, and getting involved in preparing their community. These activities create a culture of preparedness and can help save lives.

The Department of Homeland Security is working with other Federal, State, and local government organizations, as well as the private sector, to prevent, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies. Together, Americans can significantly enhance the level of national preparedness to further safeguard our communities and secure our homeland.
This month is also an opportunity to pay tribute to America's first responders who put themselves at risk for the safety of their fellow citizens. These brave police officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel exemplify the compassion and commitment that help strengthen our country. We will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

During National Preparedness Month, the President and Canton officials encourage all Americans to get involved in their community's preparedness efforts. Citizens may visit Canton's website at www.cantonpublicsafety.org and click on emergency management or go to ready.gov and citizencorps.gov to learn more about emergency preparedness and ways to take action.

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