J 1345: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 1345 BY: Senator GALLIVAN MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Preparedness Month; and WHEREAS, Throughout the month of September, the American Red Cross encourages individuals to take action to plan and prepare for an emergency and to donate blood; and WHEREAS, Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is both a family's and an individual's best defense; supporting Red Cross blood donation or giving blood is also critical to community preparedness since hospitals need blood to respond to patient need; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross was founded in 1881, by Clara Barton and is the United States' premier emergency response organization; and WHEREAS, In the United States, approximately four million people give blood to the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the Nation; all types are needed daily, but type O negative, the universal blood type, is frequently in high demand; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood, has expanded its services, including Disaster Services, with which this vital organization supports victims of disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, heat waves and hurricanes; and WHEREAS, This much needed support helps to pick up the pieces after the disaster and may take the form of medical help, food safety, water treatment, financial help, and emergency accommodation; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross recommends three simple actions to prepare for weather-related disaster events and emergencies such as a house fire: make a plan, build a kit, and be informed; and WHEREAS, Hurricane Ida was a deadly and destructive Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that became the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to strike the U.S. state of Louisiana on record, behind Hurricane Katrina; and WHEREAS, On August 29, 2021, the 18th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana; a total of 97 deaths have been confirmed in relation to Ida, including 77 in the United States and 20 in Venezuela; and WHEREAS, After the storm passed, thousands of crew members were deployed in Louisiana, and hundreds were rescued; power outages were expected to last weeks, possibly up to a month and states of emergency were declared for Louisiana and portions of the Northeast; and WHEREAS, It is extremely important that this Legislative Body properly informs all New Yorkers to observe Preparedness Month by taking action and having a plan before disaster happens; it is also imperative to keep pets safe from danger and communicate efficiently during a disaster; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2026, as Preparedness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.