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U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Sponsor Third Annual National Preparedness Month
September 2006 Effort Will Promote Family Emergency Preparedness
Release Date: July 17, 2006
Washington, D.C. -- For the third straight year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will sponsor National Preparedness Month, along with a coalition of more than 200 national, regional, state and local organizations. National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. This year's goals are to increase public awareness about the importance of family emergency preparedness and to urge individuals to make themselves and their loved ones better prepared.
“Every American has a personal responsibility to ensure that their family is prepared for the unexpected,” said Under secretary for Preparedness George Foresman. “Through this effort, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Preparedness Month Coalition will encourage all Americans to be ready before emergencies happen.”
Throughout the summer and fall, Homeland Security will work with the National Preparedness Month 2006 Coalition – national, regional, state and local organizations from the public and private sector - to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness. Hundreds of organizations are expected to join the Coalition and provide Americans with a variety of opportunities to learn more about preparedness. Already, more than 70 national organizations (see attached listing) and over 130 regional, state and local groups have signed on as National Preparedness Month 2006 Coalition Members. These Coalition members agreed to distribute emergency preparedness information, host events and sponsor activities across the country that will promote family emergency preparedness.
Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Representatives Peter King (R-NY) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) have agreed to serve as Honorary Congressional Co-Chairs of National Preparedness Month 2006 and lead the effort on Capitol Hill.
National Preparedness Month provides Americans with information about preparing themselves, their families and their communities for emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist threats. Activities across the nation encourage individuals to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about the different threats that may affect them.
During September 2005, a coalition of more than 190 organizations and all 56 states and territories distributed information and hosted emergency preparedness activities nationwide.
National Preparedness Coalition membership is open to all public and private sector organizations. Groups can register to become a National Preparedness Month Coalition member by visiting www.ready.gov and clicking on the National Preparedness Month banner.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps as part of a broader national effort conducted by the Department’s Preparedness Directorate. Ready is a national public service advertising campaign produced by The Advertising Council in partnership with Homeland Security. The Ready Campaign is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. Individuals interested in more information about family and business preparedness can visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free materials. Citizen Corps, Homeland Security’s grassroots effort, localizes preparedness messages and provides opportunities for citizens to get emergency response training; participate in community exercises; and volunteer to support local first responders. To learn more and to get involved, contact your nearest Citizen Corps Council by visiting www.CitizenCorps.gov.
National Preparedness Month 2006 is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month events and activities are voluntary, and Homeland Security is not financially obligated to any National Preparedness Month Coalition Member. For more information or to become a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member visit www.ready.gov.