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U.S. Department of Homeland Security Launches Updated Emergency Preparedness Web Site

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2006

The tornados, flooding and wildfires recently experienced in parts of the country are another reminder of how critical it is for Americans to prepare for emergencies.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign today launched an updated version of its web site, www.ready.gov, to educate Americans about the simple steps they should take to be ready for a variety of emergencies.

"All Americans have a responsibility to take steps now to be prepared for emergencies whether they are caused by nature or by man," said Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Preparedness George W. Foresman. "At Ready.gov individuals can find information and resources that detail some of the basic things they can do to keep their family safe for emergencies large and small."

Ready, a national public service advertising campaign was launched in February 2003 to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The campaign encourages individuals to use www.ready.gov to learn how to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be better informed about the types of emergencies that are most likely to occur in their area. The campaign's Web site has received more than 1.9 billion hits and 23 million unique visitors.

The redesigned Ready Web site includes updated emergency preparedness resources, including special preparedness information for pet owners, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities and special needs. It also provides Americans with increased state and local information so they can learn about the types of emergencies that are more likely to happen in their area and the plans that have been established to deal with these emergencies.

The revised Web site launches in time for National Preparedness Month 2006, a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. The goal of National Preparedness Month 2006 is to increase public awareness about the importance of family preparedness and to encourage individuals to take action in their homes and schools.

For more information about emergency preparedness for individuals, families and businesses, visit the updated Ready Web site at www.ready.gov, or call 1-800-BE-READY.

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.


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