September is National Preparedness Month -- 15 Years Since September 11, 2001

September 6, 2016, St. Louis, Missouri…September is National Preparedness Month in the U.S. and this year has special meaning because it marks 15 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

More than 3,000 people were killed during the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.

National Preparedness Month is now sponsored annually by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security.

“National Preparedness Month is a part of a governmental effort to strengthen U.S preparedness with prevention, protection, response and recovery efforts to prepare for all hazards – whether terrorism, criminal action or natural disaster,” said Brian Houser of Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis.

The not-for-profit Lighthouse owns a not-for-profit company called Quake Kare that is a leading provider of emergency survival kits. Every September during National Preparedness Month as students return to schools and colleges, and business owners evaluate the need to prepare their facilities, sales of Quake Kare emergency survival kits increase.

“It’s a good thing that we are a not-for-profit organization because we do not want to profit from disaster,” Houser said. “But our sales do increase during National Preparedness Month and, also, whenever there is a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, terrorist act or mass shooting” he said.

Houser notes that every penny of Quake Kare sales revenue directly supports Lighthouse service programs for people who are blind or visually impaired in Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. The Lighthouse currently employs 47 people who are legally blind in two manufacturing plants in St. Louis County to assemble, pack and ship Quake Kare survival kits and other products.

“Right now, we are receiving many requests from school officials for our Safety Lockdown Container Survival Kit,” said Houser.

With necessary emergency supplies for up to 72 hours, Quake Kare’s Safety Lockdown Container Survival Kit is equipped for use in classrooms and homes. It contains emergency food, water, lighting, first-aid, a portable toilet, and shelter supplies, as well as a solar / hand-crank powered flashlight; weather band radio; and a USB device charger that never needs batteries to charge smartphones and other USB devices.

“Our research shows that many families, schools and businesses are not prepared for dealing with disaster, or do not have a disaster plan in place. Given the uncertain environment that we live in today, it is crucially important for people and organizations to address the potential for emergencies to help save lives.”

To learn more about preparing for emergency during National Preparedness Month – or at any time -- visit these websites:

https://community.fema.gov/

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.quakekare.com/

For Quake Kare product information, contact John Caine or Brittney Bettonville at 800.542.3697 or 314.423.4333, or see the website http://www.quakekare.com. For details about Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis services and programs, call 800.542.3697 or 314.423.4333 or visit the website or www.lhbindustries.com.

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