Building Disaster Resistant Neighborhoods

WHEREAS, every so often a natural or manmade disasters come along to disrupt lives and damage and destroy homes and neighborhoods and

WHEREAS, the social, economic and environmental costs these disasters continue to rise sharply and

WHEREAS, more specific actions, such as the American Red Cross "Disaster Resistant Neighborhood" program, need to be undertaken to reduce the vulnerability of at-risk residents and neighborhoods and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross "Disaster Resistant Neighborhood" program is based on the concepts that disaster mitigation requires assessment, awareness, education, planning and implementation at the homeowner level and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross "Disaster Resistant Neighborhood" program focus and strengths are:

• NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS: Assessing the threats to each neighborhood.
• LOCAL LEADERS: Utilizing community disaster subject matter experts.
• COLLABORATION: Organizations working together under the disaster mitigation umbrella.

WHEREAS, by residents of our neighborhoods coming together to conduct American Red Cross "Disaster Resistant Neighborhood" programs aimed at educating our citizens in an effort to reduce disaster damage and lower the costs of disaster relief operations and assistance and

WHEREAS, in summary, disaster will always be a part of our lives, but they need not always be so traumatic. We can and must do our part to help limit the harm they do to people and our neighborhoods. It is essential that the American Red Cross take every opportunity possible to help residents of our residents prepare for, respond to and cope with disasters by becoming "Disaster Resistant Neighborhoods".

WHEREAS, NOW, THEREFORE, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners does does hereby proclaim "Disaster Resistant Neighborhood" initiatives as a part of the Hazardous Weather Awareness Week February 3 through 9 2008.

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners urges all citizens of our community to fully participate in the American Red Cross "Disaster Resistant Neighborhood" program.