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"RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2006"
the new buzz in DC
On December 31, 2005 nearly half of
all adults in this country will make
at least one New Year's resolution.
Today, as part of its successful Ready
campaign, the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security encouraged Americans to make
a resolution that is both important
and easy to keep, preparing for emergencies.
"As 2006 approaches, we continue
to look for innovative ways to empower
families and businesses to prepare for
emergencies," said Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff. "In
this time when Americans are making
resolutions to better their lives, the
message of preparedness is truly fitting.
Making an emergency plan for their home
or business is just one of the simple
steps individuals can take to help ensure
that they are as prepared as possible
if an emergency occurs."
In a recent national survey conducted
by The Ad Council, 80 percent of Americans
agreed that taking some simple steps
to prepare could help protect themselves
and their families in the event of an
emergency. However, only 58 percent
had made an emergency supply kit, developed
a family emergency plan or learned more
about potential threats, the three steps
recommended by the Ready campaign. A
survey of small businesses found more
than 90 percent recognized the importance
of business emergency preparedness.
But, less than 40 percent said their
company had an emergency plan in place.
By visiting www.ready.gov, individuals
and businesses can learn how to prepare
their families and workplaces for emergencies
including natural disasters and potential
terrorist attacks. Materials, including
family communication plan templates
and sample business continuity plans,
are available on the website providing
Americans with the resources needed
to make New Year's resolutions that
will bring piece of mind.
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.
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