An ordinance amending Chapter 2.10 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to provide for the creation and implementation of a "Nashville KNOWS" program.

WHEREAS, one of the highest priorities of any government must be the protection of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Government to use its resources to educate citizens regarding emergency preparedness, and to provide its citizens with the information and knowledge necessary to respond in the event of an emergency; and

WHEREAS, in these uncertain times, Nashvillians cannot afford to be uninformed about what to do in case of an emergency; and

WHEREAS, the Office of Emergency Management has been conducting training sessions for citizens, but must continue in its efforts to inform as many citizens as possible; and

WHEREAS, the City of Nashville continually receives federal grant funds to provide communications to its citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Chapter 2.10 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws be and the same is hereby amending by adding the following new Section 2.10.070:

2.10.070 "Nashville KNOWS" program.
A. Using existing resources, the office of emergency management shall be responsible for the initiation and implementation of a program to be called "Nashville KNOWS." The "Nashville KNOWS" program shall be designed to maximize resources and efforts to prepare the citizens of Nashville regarding:
1. The steps to take in advance and in preparation of emergency situations; and
2. Responses and actions that should be taken in the event of various types of emergency situations.

B. The office of emergency management shall be the agency responsible for the implementation of the "Nashville KNOWS" program, which shall be focused on reaching out and informing Nashvillians about emergency response through, but not limited to, the initiation of a public relations campaign for the City, the conducting of neighborhood meetings at neighborhood sites, and the teaching of educational programs in the public schools.
C. The office of emergency management shall provide to the mayor and the members of the metropolitan council, on or before January 31 of each year, a report of its activities conducted in accordance with the provisions of this section during the preceding year.

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Shulman, Buck Dozier, Amanda McClendon, J. B. Loring, Lynn Williams

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	February 7, 2006
Passed First Reading:	February 7, 2006
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee Public Safety Committee
Passed Second Reading:	February 21, 2006
Passed Third Reading:	March 21, 2006
Approved:	March 30, 2006
By: