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 manmade emergencies; and

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

WHEREAS, These disasters include wildfires, earthquakes, snowstorms, floods, mudslides, and other incidents that can leave Californians without power, food, or other essential items for days; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, there were 11 declared emergency situations in California, including 7,490 wildfires, hundreds of earthquakes, numerous blackouts, extensive flooding, and a massive snowstorm; and

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

WHEREAS, It is vital that all levels of government and residents have a comprehensive plan in place before an emergency or natural disaster occurs; and

WHEREAS, These plans should include access to adequate shelter, reserves of food, water, and medical supplies, backup power sources, strategies for protecting animals, and access to transportation; and

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