FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 14, 2004
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
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Ellis and Liberty Islands' National Park Service Employees Receive Emergency Preparedness Training |
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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.
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