Press Releases
Gov. Blagojevich proclaims September "Homeland Security Begins at Home Month"
SPRINGFIELD - On the federally-proclaimed National Preparedness Day, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged Illinois citizens to develop preparedness plans so they will be prepared for any type of disaster, whether it be a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Gov. Blagojevich also issued a state proclamation naming September "Homeland Security Begins at Home Month."
"The State of Illinois is aggressively preparing for emergency response on several levels, but citizens can and should take actions of their own to protect their businesses and themselves," Gov. Blagojevich said. "Today is National Preparedness Day, and to drive home how important it is for individuals to prepare, I proclaimed September as ‘Homeland Security Begins at Home Month.'"
In his proclamation, Gov. Blagojevich urged all state agencies, counties, cities, companies and citizens to develop preparedness plans and programs to respond to natural and man-made disasters that can affect the well-being of this state.
In coordination with the Governor's proclamation, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF) is raising public awareness through a 30-second television public service announcement emphasizing the home preparedness theme. The ITTF also recently developed an informational brochure, "Together We Prepare," with details on what families can do before and during a disaster. The brochure and additional information is available on the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's website at www.state.il.us/iema or by contacting your local emergency management agency.
The Governor's proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, our country is approaching the third anniversary of the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, as we remember this dark day in American history, it is important that we, as a Nation and as a State, rededicate ourselves to securing our homeland and our precious way of life; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with our continued commitment to protecting this country, the month of September 2004 has been designated National Preparedness Month, and September 9, 2004 has been designated National Preparedness Day; and
WHEREAS, the outstanding Homeland Security efforts here in Illinois have been the result of participation from all levels of government in all regions of the state. These efforts affect citizens from every walk of life and in every community of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, we have seen numerous examples in this state of how corporate and citizen preparedness have saved lives. Through security planning and disaster protection training, Illinois is well equipped to deal with any future threats to our homeland; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with this proclamation, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force will be releasing Public Service Announcements throughout the state titled "Homeland Security Begins at Home." Additionally, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management agencies, are always available to provide preparedness information and assistance to the people of this state.
THEREFORE, I, Rod Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim September 2004 as HOMELAND SECURITY BEGINS AT HOME MONTH in Illinois, and urge all state agencies, counties, cities, companies and citizens to develop preparedness plans and programs to respond to natural and man-made disasters that can affect the well-being of this state.
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