In preparation for the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty this summer and as a salute to Flag Day, the National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of Homeland Security have partnered to provide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for a group of 50 Ellis and Liberty Islands' NPS employees, partners and concession staff. To complete their training in all-hazard preparedness, today, these employees participated in disaster simulation exercises in fire extinction, medical triage and treatment, and victim extrication.

"Ensuring the safety of all employees and visitors is our number one priority," said Fran P. Mainella, National Park Service director. "Offering all-hazards training for employees, as well as emergency response information and safety techniques for our visitors, contributes to our goal of offering the best educational experience possible. The program here at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can serve as a model for the rest of the National Park System."

CERT is a component of Citizen Corps, the Department of Homeland Security's grass roots initiative that encourages everyone to play a role in hometown security - through personal preparedness, training, and volunteer programs. C. Suzanne Mencer, the Department of Homeland Security's Director of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness added, "The Department of Homeland Security is committed to engaging all citizens, either at work or at home, in getting prepared and involved in hometown security. Partnering with the National Park Service will provide opportunities for employees and visitors alike to learn more about how they can make a difference in making our communities safer."

Once trained, CERT prepared citizens can assist others by applying basic emergency response and organizational skills to stabilize a situation. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens and their actions can make a difference.

Today's training and recognition ceremony are part of a three-day emergency preparedness educational program occurring at Ellis Island in observance of Flag Day. In addition to the training, several Citizen Corps affiliates including the American Red Cross - Greater New York, Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Fire Protection Association New York City Fire Department - Fire Safety Education Fund, Medical Reserve Corps - Duchess County, NY, Medical Reserve Corps - Middlesex County, NJ, New York State Special Volunteer Programs and the American Radio Relay League will display information kiosks for visitors to learn more about all hazards preparedness, training, and volunteer opportunities. With 1,200 local Citizen Corps Councils nationwide, visitors to the island will also learn how they can get involved with local activities when they return home.

Added Mencer, "On Flag Day, we reflect on what it means to live in America. We encourage all citizens of America to pledge their personal commitment to take an active role in hometown safety." Other cities conducting Flag Day Citizen Corps activities include, Washington, DC, Harris County, TX, Fresno, CA, Tulsa, OK, and Belvidere, IL.

The Ellis Island training was made possible through collaborative efforts of New York City's Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management/New Jersey State Police, area Citizen Corps Councils, American Red Cross in Greater New York, and the Regional Office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

A vital part of USA Freedom Corps, Citizen Corps (www.citizencorps.gov) encourages everyone in America to answer the President's "call to service" and take an active role in building safer, stronger and better-prepared communities through preparedness, training, and volunteer service. The Department's website, www.ready.gov, also provides critical information on citizen preparedness.

The National Park Service, US Department of the Interior, preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. For more information, visit www.nps.gov.