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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman signed a proclamation declaring September as National Preparedness Month in Nebraska. The Governor recognized the strength of Nebraska’s state and local coordination following Hurricane Katrina and encouraged continued evaluation and improvement across the state.
“We know that the role of government in responding to crisis situations is one that we cannot afford to ignore,” Gov. Heineman said. “Whether we’re called to respond to a terrorist attack or a tornado of historic proportions, we must be ready to respond. My hope is that Nebraskans are comforted by the high level of preparedness our state has achieved.”
Several agency directors joined the Governor in discussing Nebraska’s emergency preparedness. Lori McClurg, Director of the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services talked about the state’s response plan in the event key buildings are forced to close. Al Berndt, Assistant Director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, was on had to address the role of individuals and families in preparing for an emergency situation.
Berndt said, “The situation in the Gulf Coast underscores the critical importance of citizen preparedness. People need to be prepared to protect themselves and their families in the event rescue agencies are unable to provide immediate assistance. The time to learn preparedness is before an emergency strikes.”
In addition, Dr. Joann Schaefer, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer, discussed the framework for Nebraska’s medical response following Hurricane Katrina and Chris Peterson, Policy Secretary for the Nebraska Health and Human Services System addressed the state’s role in providing access to programs for recent evacuees.
Following the news conference, Lt. Gov. Sheehy is scheduled to convene his third meeting of the 11-member Nebraska Homeland Security Policy Group to discuss upcoming security and preparedness challenges and approaches, as well as Nebraska’s newly revised State Emergency Operations Plan.
Lt. Gov. Sheehy said, “We need to use this as an opportunity to review our capabilities across all of our agencies. We know we can respond. We need to take a look at our agencies’ performances and begin those conversations about how best to proceed.”
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