National Safety Council NewsRelease, June 11, 2002

For immediate release					
June 11, 2002 
Contact: Joe Larkin						
630-775-2303

National Safety Month, Preparedness Week, June 16-22
Focus on Individual and Organizational Preparedness

Itasca, IL -- The National Safety Council (NSC) has designated the week of June 16-22, 2002, Preparedness Week.  During Preparedness Week -- part of National Safety Month -- the focus is on individual and organizational preparedness.  

NSC President Alan C. McMillan said, *Every business, family, and community should be prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies and disasters ... man-made or natural.*

Emergencies, including personal injuries, fires, explosions, chemical spills, toxic gas releases, vandalism, natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, and man-made disasters such as riots and terrorist activities, are of concern to everyone. 

*Anticipating emergencies and planning a response can greatly lessen the extent of injuries and limit equipment, material and property damage,* McMillan said. Every business and family should have an emergency response plan in place and be prepared to carry it our under duress. During Preparedness Week, the Council will provide a wealth of information to keep organizations and families fully prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Other weeks have focused on driving safety (June 2-9) and home and community safety (June 9-15).  Workplace Safety and safety leadership will be the focus June 23-29.  For a comprehensive list of National Safety Month activities and safety tips, visit the NSC website at <http://www.nsc.org/nsm.htm>.  The National Safety Council is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental, international membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health. 
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