In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution recognizing August 2025 as Emergency Management Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

Emergency management professionals at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels, including those within our Commonwealth, play a critical role in protecting our communities from natural disasters, public health crises, and other emergencies.  These professionals dedicate themselves to developing preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation strategies to safeguard our residents and communities.  These life-saving efforts help communities and local emergency responders strengthen their local disaster response plans for potential future events and support long-term community resilience.

This resolution acknowledges the contributions of emergency managers throughout the Commonwealth at all levels, including those serving at the municipal and county levels of government, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA).  Emergency managers are responsible for building and maintaining the capabilities necessary to effectively coordinate and support disaster and emergency response and recovery efforts.  This resolution also serves to increase public awareness of what emergency management is and why it matters, and to strengthen cooperation that improves our collective ability to respond to future emergencies.

The month of August 2025 marks the inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to spotlight the profession and educate the public on its value. During this time, emergency managers across the country will engage with elected officials, host outreach events, and share their work with the communities they serve. The month of August is timely in that the following month September is National Preparedness Month, which has been observed every September since 2004. 

Recognizing Emergency Management Awareness Month in Pennsylvania affirms our Commonwealth’s commitment to emergency preparedness and public safety. This resolution also offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize and honor the often unseen but essential work performed by our county, municipal, and state emergency management professionals all across our Commonwealth. 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution and showing support for the individuals who help protect our communities every day.