EPACi Launches and needs help from the retired Emergency Community

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Dec. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Emergency Preparedness industry has been steadily growing over recent years. According to EPACi President and Founder Jay Elliott, "The industry started essentially about 30 years ago, when a hand full of small mom & pop entrepreneurs were building earthquake kits in their garages at the request of schools and other customers that needed to prepare." Elliott continues, "These small companies gathered all the needed survival supplies and packed them in backpacks, cooler bags, 5-gallon buckets etc. This was a big convenience to the customers, saving them time and money from having to do this themselves."

EPACi Co-Founder, Lane Turville adds, "Companies, Governments and Schools have realized the liability risk of not preparing for employees, students and guests in case a disaster strikes. The disasters are no longer just Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Tornadoes. They include Terrorism, Pandemic Influenza and even the fear of civil unrest. Recent spikes in sales for the industry include; September 11, 2001, Hurricane Katrina, Bird & Swine Flu and The Great Recession."

Turville says, "Although the kits and items people purchase gives them "peace of mind," they realize more than ever that they cannot count on government to help or "bail them out" after a major disaster. The overwhelming media coverage of post Katrina drove this point home. Even government (Federal, State and local), now admits to not depend on them after a significant emergency."

When asked why do we need an association? Elliott responds "First, there needs to be a source of information that you can depend on that not only tells you how and what to prepare with, but where to buy tested items. There is very little standardization and testing that is done right now. We will address those issues. By doing these things, it will help promote preparing by giving consumers more knowledge and confidence in what they are buying (Survival Kits, Supplies and Services). This is an industry that needs to govern itself rather than waiting for government to step in to take control. Also for consumers to differentiate between similar products, manufacturers and retailers."

Where is EPACi now? Elliott continues, "EPACi needs help. We have many of the basics done already and lots of good ideas, but we need help right now with: The Business Plan, Organizing, Website Development, Standardizations and other. People interested in helping can send me an email so I will let them know when our next meeting will be held (Probably in Thousand Oaks, CA). Right now we are a private company. Our plan for the future of EPACi is to be a non-profit organization. Although we are looking for volunteers right now, we hope to hire some of these people who shine and want to be hired. We are hoping to tap into local retired first responders or people who are currently unemployed and can give some hours to our group. This might be a great thing on their resume as well as help contribute to the community and our nation."

About EPACi

The Main Goal for the Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council International (EPACi) is to become the Primary Source of Emergency Preparedness Education, Information, News and Industry Standardization. This will help People Prepare for Emergencies and help Ensure Product and Service Safety, Differentiation as well as Reliability. http://www.EPACi.org

    Contact:
    Jay M. Elliott, CERT
    President / Founder
    EPACi
    Phone:                    877-746-8696
    Email:                    PR1@EPACi.org
    Website:                  EPACi.org

SOURCE EPACi

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http://www.EPACi.org