WHEREAS, disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, posing significant risks to the safety, health, and welfare of all those living in Maine; and

WHEREAS, emergency preparedness in Maine is a coordinated effort among multiple levels of government and non-profit organizations, including the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), County Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs), local emergency managers, and community stakeholders who all work together through a collaborative approach to prioritize preparedness across the state; and

WHEREAS, preparedness is a shared responsibility that requires individuals, families, communities, businesses, and other organizations to work together to ensure that we are ready to respond to and recover from disasters; and

WHEREAS, taking proactive steps, such as creating emergency plans, assembling disaster supply kits, and staying informed about potential risks significantly enhances resilience and saves lives; and

WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month highlights the importance of individuals, families, and households planning and participating in preparedness activities, community engagement and youth involvement; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to supporting its residents with the resources, tools, and information necessary to prepare for all hazards, including natural disasters and human-caused emergencies; and

WHEREAS, Maine people can find preparedness resources, guidance, and information online by visiting www.maine.gov/mema;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2025 as

Preparedness Month

in Maine, and I call upon all individuals, families, communities, businesses, and organizations to take proactive steps to plan, prepare, and stay informed.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this thirtieth day of July Two Thousand Twenty-Five