WHEREAS, the official launch of National Preparedness Month took place at the U.S. Capitol building on September 9, 2004; and

WHEREAS, the coordinated and participatory efforts of federal, state, tribal and local governments, individual communities, private businesses, and citizens are critical to the success of homeland security and the protection of our nation; and

WHEREAS, the great State of Alabama recognizes the need for our citizens to be prepared, alert and aware of threats to the security and safety of our communities; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal, state, and local officials and the private sector are working to deter, prevent and respond to all types of emergencies; and

WHEREAS, these activities, along with active citizens, contribute to a level of preparedness that is critical to a secure homeland; and

WHEREAS, a citizen may review the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready campaign websites at www.ready.gov and www.llis.gov for more information; and

WHEREAS, we wish to honor local residents who are taking the initiative to prepare by being active as members of Citizen Corps Councils and the five Citizen Corps programs: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), Neighborhood Watch Program, Medical Reserve Corps, and Fire Corps:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2006, as National Preparedness Month in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of August 2006.

Governor Bob Riley