Homeland Security And Boy Scouts Team Up For Disasters Preparedness
Release Date: July 3, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-BoyScouts
On May 10, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security and the Boy Scouts of America launched a partnership to assist individuals, families and communities in preparing for disasters.
The Boy Scout motto, Be Prepared, has guided scouts for decades to prepare for all types of emergencies. Similarly, the Department of Homeland Security created a preparedness program called Be Ready that encourages citizen preparedness at home and the community. The partnership complements both of the organizations efforts in preparedness. The Ready Campaign teaches Boy Scouts about three simple steps that can be done to prepare for disasters. These steps include:
- Make A Kit
- Have A Plan
- Get Informed
Making a kit includes collecting items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, radio, flashlight and extra batteries. A plan will include what to do, where to go and how to communicate in an emergency. Having a plan in place is important so you will not wonder what to do during an emergency. Things like knowing how to get in touch with your family, where you will meet, escape routes from your home and how to turn off utilities. The last step is to get informed and know about the risks in your area and how to properly prepare for them.
Scouts of all ages can earn a new Emergency Preparedness BSA pin and a recognition certificate as they complete preparedness projects in their community. Every troop level and age group has appropriate projects and activities they can work on. For more information about the Boy Scouts of America and the Emergency Preparedness Pin you can visit www.scouting.org.
You can also visit www.Ready.gov for more information about The Ready Campaign and how to prepare for disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 07-Jul-2003 10:08:14