Letters to the Editor for Sept. 10, 2008

Americans need to be prepared for emergencies

To the Editor:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign is sponsoring the fifth annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) with support from more than 2,700 NPM coalition members, the largest amount to date.
NPM coalition members, consisting of national, regional, state, and local organizations, will combine efforts throughout the month of September to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies before they happen. “National Preparedness Month is an important reminder about each American’s civic responsibility to prepare for emergencies,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Those with the capacity and wherewithal to help themselves must do so in advance, so that in the event of an emergency, responders can first assist those who are unable to tend to themselves. From wildfires and earthquakes in California, to hurricanes and tropical storms along the Gulf Coast, to flooding in the Midwest, recent events remind us more than ever that we must prepare ourselves and our families for a disaster. This is the time, each year, when every American should ask the question, ‘Am I ready?'”
The Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps (www.citizencorps.gov), along with the Whitley County Health Department, are encouraging individuals across the state to take important preparedness steps that will greatly improve their ability to survive and recover from all types of emergencies, whether natural or man-made. These steps include getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, becoming informed about the different emergencies that may affect you, and getting involved in community preparedness and response efforts.
The Whitley County Health Department and the NPM coalition members are encouraging Kentuckians to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. For more information, please call the Whitley County Health Department or visit www.whitleycountyhealthdepartment.com or www.ready.gov for a suggested list of supplies for your emergency kit along with other preparedness information.

Debra Brown McNaughton
Whitley County Health Dept.

DAR encourages observation of Constitution Week

To the Editor:

September 17 begins the national celebration of Constitution Week. This is the country’s least known official observance.
The observance of Constitution Week was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, The Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to: emphasize citizen’s responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, and preserving it for posterity, informing the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of U.S. life and it encourages the study of historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
The William Whitley DAR Chapter encourages all citizens to take time this during this upcoming week to reflect on our heritage.

Rebecca Gibson
Williamsburg

Police Chief thanks those who helped with NIBROC

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the following persons and/or businesses for their unselfish acts to help us provide better police service NIBROC.
Jimmy and Julia Brafford of Legend Motorsports, Jerry Rains of Kentucky Emergency Management, Brian Reams of Kentucky WMD/Haz-Mat Task Force 11, Josh Lee, Chad Jackson, Shea and Jason of Shea’s and S&J Designs, Kroger’s Corbin Station and Forest Hills.

J.C. Mullins
Corbin Police Chief