September 19 , 2007

Bucks Commissioners Emphasize Importance of “National Preparedness Month”
Outreach Campaign Includes “Ready Bucks” and “Ready Kids” Programs Aimed at Maximizing Public Education

This morning’s bi-monthly commissioners’ meeting at Feasterville’s Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School doubled as a youthful forum on emergency preparedness. Before the regular agenda portion of the meeting, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, James F. Cawley, Esq., and Sandra A. Miller shared a brief lesson entitled “Helping Your Family In Case of An Emergency” with the members of Mrs. Compton’s fourth-grade class.

“One of the most significant aspects of our public safety platform is public education, and Bucks County’s elementary population is an ideal group to target,” Chairman Martin said. “That is why we have partnered with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 to distribute more than 40,000 Ready Kids worksheets and Ready Bucks parent brochures.”

Commissioner Martin and Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko noted that the worksheets and brochures were funded in full by the Pennsylvania Southeast Region Counterterrorism Task Force, which is chaired by Bucks County Emergency Management Director John Dougherty. They were distributed to first- through fourth-graders throughout the county.

Each of the students in Mrs. Compton’s class received an American Red Cross “go bag,” filled with useful emergency items such as a two gallon water travel bottle, dust masks, a Ready Bucks brochure, a newsletter about emergency response for pets, a flashlight, emergency blankets, ponchos, a portable AM/FM radio, safety light sticks and whistles.

In addition, the commissioners issued a proclamation declaring September “National Preparedness Month.” This year’s national slogan, “Get a kit, make a plan, be informed and get involved,” focuses on four areas of preparedness: Back-to-School; Business Preparedness; Multicultural Preparedness, and Home and Family Preparedness, including pets, older Americans and individuals with disabilities and special needs. For more information about safety preparedness, click on “Ready Bucks."