Earthquake Awareness Week

WHEREAS, along numerous seismic zones throughout the State of Alabama there are communities that have risks from earthquakes; and

WHEREAS, it is the duty and responsibility of the government, at all levels, to strive to develop all possible means for protecting the lives and property of citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is recognized that informed public officials and enlightened citizens are better able to sustain themselves in the aftermath of a catastrophic disaster, such as an earthquake; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama recognizes that the 1811 and 1812 New Madrid earthquakes forever changed the mid-western landscape, one change being the creation of Reelfoot Lake in the State of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama plans to participate in the observance of the New Madrid Bicentennial with a wide range of events to be held throughout 2011 and 2012 to promote greater earthquake awareness and preparedness among the state’s residents; and

WHEREAS, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium and the Alabama Department of Emergency Management have joined with other states to participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, a voluntary practice of the “Drop, Cover and Hold” technique that could prevent injury during an earthquake, on April 28, 2011 at 10:15 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, in May 2011, the earthquake risk from the New Madrid Earthquake Zone will be the focus of a National Level Exercise of catastrophic disaster plans by local, state and federal officials:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 25-April 29, 2011, as

Earthquake Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama and encourage all citizens to join in this observance.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 5th day of April 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley