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3 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> September 2023 - "Orange County Preparedness Month" <br /> Theme — "Preparing for Older Adults" <br /> WHEREAS, it is critical for every community, business, family, and individual in Orange <br /> County to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters, including tornadoes, flooding, <br /> and hurricanes, as well as disease outbreaks like COVID-19; and <br /> WHEREAS, in 2018, Hurricane Florence brought significant rainfall in September, and <br /> was followed by Tropical Storm Michael in October; both storms causing widespread <br /> power outages and flooding, with Florence resulting in more than $26 million in damages <br /> while Michael exceeded $500,000; and <br /> WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has confirmed three separate tornadoes that <br /> have impacted Orange County since 2019; and <br /> WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued thirty seven Severe Thunderstorm <br /> Warnings, seven Flash Flood Warnings, and two Tornado Warnings for Orange County <br /> in 2022; and <br /> WHEREAS, year to date, Orange County has already experienced significant severe <br /> weather activity to include sixteen Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and three Flash Flood <br /> Warnings; and <br /> WHEREAS, community members can take a few simple steps — creating an emergency <br /> supply kit, making a family disaster plan, and staying informed — to help make <br /> preparedness a personal priority and improved health a goal in our community; and <br /> WHEREAS, this year's theme is "Preparing for Older Adults" and Orange County has <br /> over 32,000 persons aged 60 and older in Orange County; and we know that older adults <br /> can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and <br /> emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are lower-income, have a <br /> disability, or live in rural areas; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize <br /> Orange County Emergency Services - Emergency Management Division, along with the <br /> Orange County Department on Aging, and emergency managers throughout the nation, <br /> who have collaborated to recognize September as National Preparedness Month, and <br /> the Board joins them in encouraging Orange County residents to stay informed and <br /> prepared; <br /> FURTHERMORE, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners hereby declares <br /> September 2023 as "Orange County Preparedness Month." <br /> This the 5t" Day of September 2023. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />