WHEREAS, Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s national annual preparedness outreach; and

WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month aims to educate and empower Americans during the month and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and man-made emergencies; and

WHEREAS, California has experienced a significant increase over the last decade in emergency situations that require individuals to prepare in advance; and

WHEREAS, These disasters include rolling blackouts, wildfires, mudslides, and other occurrences that can leave Californians without power or food for days; and

WHEREAS, In the last year, California suffered 14 declared emergencies, including rainstorms, wildfire, and windstorms, and several other emergency situations, such as collapsed infrastructure and heat waves; and

WHEREAS, In response to emergencies and disasters, hundreds of thousands of people have been subject to mandatory evacuations; and

WHEREAS, It is more critical than ever before that Californians have a plan prior to experiencing these events; and

WHEREAS, These plans should include access to adequate shelter, reserves of food and water, backup power for communication devices, plans for pets, and access to transportation; and

WHEREAS, September is celebrated as National Preparedness Month; now, therefore, be it