Declare Preparedness Month Statewide

Senate Resolution No. 4441 BY: Senator COMRIE MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2018, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2018, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Preparedness Month; and WHEREAS, Throughout the month of September, the American Red Cross encourages individuals to take action to plan and prepare for an emergency and to donate blood; and WHEREAS, Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is both a family's and an individual's best defense; supporting Red Cross blood donation or giving blood is also critical to community preparedness since hospitals need blood to respond to patient need; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross was founded in 1881, by Clara Barton and is the United States' premier emergency response organization; and WHEREAS, In the United States, approximately four million people give blood to the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the Nation; all types of blood is needed daily, but type O negative, the universal blood type, is frequently in high demand; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood, has expanded its services, including Disaster Services, with which this vital organization supports victims of disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, heat waves and hurricanes; and WHEREAS, This much needed support helps to pick up the pieces after the disaster and may take the form of medical help, food safety, water treatment, financial help, and emergency accommodation; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross recommends three simple actions to prepare for weather-related disaster events and emergencies such as a house fire: get a kit, make a plan and be informed; and WHEREAS, Preparedness Month is a time to encourage individuals to take action and make a plan with their community, family, and for pets to stay safe and communicate during the disasters which can affect their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2018, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.