From: Connie Watson [CWatson@wilco.org]

Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 3:57 PM

To: Connie Watson

Subject: September is National Preparedness Month

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:                Connie Watson                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                512-943-1663 (office)

                                512-844-3542 (cell)

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

August 31, 2012 (Williamson County, TX) – The Williamson County Commissioners Court declared September as Preparedness Month in the Williamson County.  The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to get an emergency kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved in emergency preparedness. 

                According to records from the Texas Forest Service, in the last five years, 831 wildfires burned in Williamson County for a total of 5,668 acres.  In total, 804 homes were threatened or required evacuation, and 32 homes were destroyed.  In addition, in 2010, 660 homes were damaged or destroyed by flash floods.

                The Office of Emergency Management will hold two interactive chats regarding preparedness and emergencies on Twitter #imprepared on September 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and September 28 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  The chat will be posted to Facebook at www.facebook.com/preparingwilco. 

                In addition, youth are invited to learn more about being prepared for an emergency through the new Teen CERT/Youth Preparedness Program.  The program targets youth who are highly effective messengers for reaching and influencing parents and other adults.  The youth who are engaged today will ensure a future generation of prepared adults.  The class is held Wednesday nights in September at Williamson County ESD #1/Jollyville Fire Station from 5 to 8 p.m.  Space is available for 25 to 30 youth and is free of charge.  Youth between 9^th and 12^th grades are invited to participate in this program by calling the Emergency Management Office at 512-943-3839.  The program is a 20-hour commitment. 

                Information on building an emergency kit and creating an emergency plan will be available throughout the month on www.wilco.org/oem and on www.facebook.com/preparingwilco and Twitter @preparingwilco.  Also, a new Pinterest site has been created with examples of preparedness kits for the home, vehicle and pets.  Users are encouraged to add to the boards or repin items at www.pinterest.com/preparingwilco. 

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