BP Donation Allows Fema To Help Promote Readiness And Response In America's Communities
Release Date: October 7, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-220
Washington, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency today accepted a $600,000 donation on behalf of the BP Employee Disaster Relief Fund through the Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI). The funds will be used to develop pamphlets and video training materials to support the agency's Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and family preparedness programs.
"The American people showed a tremendous generosity of spirit in response to the national tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "This donation from the BP employees and retail marketers and the corporation itself reflects that generosity of spirit, which has not diminished in the two years after the tragedy."
The BP Employee Disaster Relief Fund was established for company employees worldwide who wanted to assist those affected by the terrorist attacks of 2001. BP matched the employee donations on a three to one basis. In all, the BP Foundation donated more than $10 million on behalf of BP, its employees and retail marketers. The contribution was facilitated by the nonprofit CFSI before coming to FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration.
"We are very proud of our employees for the enormous response that came from all parts of the world," said Peggy Hudson, BP vice president federal and international affairs. "The donation to CSFI for FEMA encompasses the spirit in which our employees contributed by helping to ensure that fire responders in communities across the U.S. are prepared for the future."
The funds will be used to produce short, high quality videos to supplement existing training. Proposed topics include surviving a disaster for disaster workers, how to prepare a home, business and vehicle emergency kit, and sheltering in place versus evacuation. The videos will be disseminated to existing CERTs and broadcast on FEMA's Emergency Education Network and educational and government channels. The funds will also allow for the reprinting of FEMA's general emergency handbook, "Are You Ready?"
"The attacks of Sept. 11 sent a strong message that we must all be prepared to deal with disaster," said US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. "These new materials will help us get Americans trained and ready to help themselves and their communities. I would like to thank employees of BP for their generosity."
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 07-Oct-2003 13:35:32