Earthquake Awareness Week

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

WHEREAS, it is the duty and responsibility of 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 an enlightened citizenry are better able to sustain themselves in the aftermath of a catastrophic disaster, such as an earthquake or other natural disaster; and

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama recognizes that the 1811 and 1812 New Madrid earthquakes forever changed the Midwestern landscape, and the state of Alabama has participated in the observance of the New Madrid Bicentennial with a range of events held throughout 2011 with others scheduled in 2012 to promote greater earthquake awareness and preparedness among the state’s residents; and

WHEREAS, the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the final major earthquake which occurred on February 7, 1812; and 

WHEREAS, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have joined with other states to participate in the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, a voluntary earthquake exercise, by practicing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” technique that could prevent injury during an exercise to be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim February 6 through 10, 2012, as

Earthquake Awareness Week

in the State of the Alabama.

     

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 25th day of January 2012.

 

                                                                           Robert Bentley, Governor