|
Department of Public Safety
Division of Homeland Security
1110 State Office Building
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
801 - 538 - 3400
December 8, 2006
Governor Huntsman Announces Utah's Special Needs Registry
Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. announced the creation of Utah's Special Needs Registry at a press conference Friday, December 8th. The Special
Needs Registry is an Internet database website (www.specialneedsutah.org)
developed for individuals that may require special assistance from emergency services personnel during a disaster or other emergency.
This voluntary service will also be available by calling a 211 representative.
"I urge all Utahns who may need assistance in the event of an emergency to make this website a part of their preparation," said Governor
Huntsman. The registry has been created as a supplement to an overall personal emergency preparedness plan that should include supplies to
last a minimum of seventy - two hours.
The registry will be a useful tool for local emergency managers and responders to better serve those with special needs in emergencies and
disasters. "This project has been a great example of a truly collaborative efort," said Michael Kuehn, Director of the Utah Division of
Homeland Security. "It really underscores our commitment to be better prepared and to do the things we need to do here prior to a disaster."
"This is a special needs registry that we consider to be an important tool provided by the state of Utah with collaborating partners at the
local government level," said Governor Huntsman. The announcemnt of the registry is a celebration of a collective effort by the Utah Division
of Homeland Security, 211 Information and Referral Center, United Way of Northern Utah, Utah Citizen Corps, Utah Department of Health, American
Red Cross of Northern Utah, and the Northern Utah Homeland Security Coalition.
Emergencies in our own communities, as well as our nation, have highlighted the need to include individuals with special needs in emergency
and disaster planning.
|
