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New Orleans Saints Urge Americans to Prepare for Emergencies

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Ellyn Fisher, Ad Council 212-984-1964
For Immediate Release
December 13, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. — From their temporary home in San Antonio, Texas the New Orleans Saints spoke to Americans about the recent disaster that struck their hometown, and the importance of being prepared for such emergencies.  Saints team members recorded a public service advertisement (PSA) that urges Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for emergencies. The advertising firm BBDO New York worked pro bono to develop this Ready campaign PSA, which will air nationally beginning on December 12.

"I commend the Saints for helping raise awareness about the important steps families can take to prepare for emergencies," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "We hope that these new ads will encourage all Americans to get emergency supply kits, make family emergency plans and be informed about the potential threats in their hometowns."

Following their November 18 practice, Saints Head Coach Jim Haslett, quarterback Aaron Brooks and wide receivers Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth discussed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as a launching point to talk about emergency preparedness. They described the heartache that their organization, families and community experienced and encouraged people across the country to take the necessary steps to prepare for emergencies before they happen.

"Having our lives turned upside down brought home the importance of being prepared for disasters of any kind," said Saints Head Coach Jim Haslett. "We wanted to film this PSA to encourage Americans to take action and make preparations for themselves and their loved ones."

Through a series of questions directed at the viewers, the Saints identify some of the most important steps individuals and families can take to be prepared. The PSA encourages viewers to visit Homeland Security's Ready campaign website, www.ready.gov, to learn more about these steps.

"Hurricane Katrina touched our hearts as we saw our fellow Americans in the midst of unimaginable devastation," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, The Advertising Council. "The New Orleans Saints, who experienced this disaster first hand, channeled that grief into an important message that we believe will resonate with individuals across the country.

The Saints PSA is the latest ad for Homeland Security's Ready campaign, one of the most successful campaigns in Ad Council history. To view the new PSA, which will be distributed to television stations nationwide this week via The FastChannel Network, visit the Ad Council website at www.adcouncil.org.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready campaign and Citizen Corps. 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 a "Get Ready Now" brochure. 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.

The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer efforts from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public.


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