City of San Rafael
In Recognition of
National Preparedness Month 2023
WHEREAS, in San Rafael, our community is susceptible to human-caused and natural disasters, including earthquakes, wildland fires, floods, pandemics, and other large-scale emergencies we cannot predict; and
WHEREAS, recent events, including drought, wildfires, and an ongoing pandemic, have emphasized environmental, structural, and social vulnerabilities; and WHEREAS, when large-scale emergencies occur, Professional First Responders and Disaster Workers will be overwhelmed and need the support of prepared and trained residents; and
WHEREAS, government agencies and disaster organizations cannot bear the sole responsibility to prepare for and respond to disasters; and
WHEREAS, working in partnership with our community members, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Neighborhood Response Groups (NRGs), and community organizations, we can minimize the loss of lives and injuries, reduce the impact to property and the natural environment, and more quickly help our community find a new normal, post-emergency; and
WHEREAS, as an age-friendly City committed to being inclusive and accessible, San Rafael will join the nation in emphasizing this year’s theme, “Preparing for Older Adults”; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael and partner organizations will provide a variety of trainings, resources, and outreach to encourage residents and staff to take steps to be better prepared for all emergencies and disasters; and
WHEREAS, the time, energy, and effort that residents, business owners, and San Rafael employees invest in preparing now will create more resilient communities that can better prevent, navigate, and recover from a disaster.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kate Colin, Mayor of San Rafael, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2023 as
National Preparedness Month
and in doing so, urge all residents and community members to take emergency preparation steps to increase our community’s resiliency to large scale emergencies or disasters.
Kate Colin
Mayor