AJR64

A Joint Resolution designating the first week in September of each year as “Resiliency Week.”

Whereas, Hazard mitigation is the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters and is most effective when implemented under a comprehensive, long-term mitigation plan; and

Whereas, On October 5, 2018, the U.S. President signed the Disaster Recovery Reform Act into law as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act; and

Whereas, These reforms acknowledge the shared responsibility for disaster response and recovery, aim to reduce the complexity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and build the nation’s capacity for the next catastrophic event; and

Whereas, The recently enacted federal legislation makes new dollars available for states and communities to undertake pre-disaster mitigation measures and creates new incentives for states to build resiliently; and

Whereas, Since 1908, natural disasters have cost the country more than $1 trillion dollars; and

Whereas, Disasters affect state and local economies in lost payrolls, lost sales and income tax, and increased disaster recovery times; and

Whereas, According to a FEMA commissioned study conducted by the National Institute of Building Sciences, every dollar spent on hazard mitigation provides the nation with $6 in future benefits; and

Whereas, Twenty-five percent of small businesses that are impacted by a natural disaster never reopen their doors; and

Whereas, September is National Preparedness Month, and New Jersey Preparedness Month in recognition of the need for all Americans to prepare and plan for recovery after a disaster; and

Whereas, Mitigation planning is a key process used to break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage; and

Whereas, Effective pre-disaster mitigation reduces the demand for relief services on volunteer organizations such as disaster rescue and recovery teams, along with food banks and homeless shelters that serve our communities by changing their operations to provide additional services to those affected by disaster; and

Whereas, Resiliency Week provides an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who, as first responders, selflessly provide aid in a disaster to safeguard New Jersey citizens and to raise public awareness about the continuing need to plan for future disasters by instituting a pre-disaster mitigation strategy; and

Whereas, Communities throughout the State are encouraged to observe Resiliency Week by planning for natural disasters and developing long-range mitigation strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The first week of September of each year is designated as “Resiliency Week” to raise public awareness about the continuing need to plan for future disasters by instituting a pre-disaster mitigation strategy.

2. The Governor may issue each year a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution declares the first week of September as "Resiliency Week" to raise public awareness about the continuing need to plan for future disasters by instituting a pre-disaster mitigation strategy.

Resiliency Week dedicates a week to remind New Jersey communities and citizens of the importance of effective pre-disaster mitigation. A focus on pre-disaster mitigation will result in a reduced demand on volunteer organizations for relief services during a disaster by reducing the number of individuals seeking relief, allowing volunteer organizations and first responders to allocate rescue services and resources more effectively.

Additionally, Resiliency Week provides an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who, as first responders, selflessly provide aid in a disaster to safeguard New Jersey citizens.