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(Utah Department of Public Safety) 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 effort," 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 announcement 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.
