Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Press Release
December 11, 2006

"RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2007"

Homeland Security Urges Americans to Make Preparing for Emergencies

Their New Year's Resolution

WASHINGTON - As the world counts down to a new year, nearly half of all adults
in this country will make at least one New Year's resolution. The
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is urging Americans to make a
resolution that is both important and easy to keep - to prepare
themselves, their families and their businesses for emergencies.

"We want 2007 to be a year when our nation's families and businesses take steps
to prepare for emergencies," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"Setting a clear goal to be prepared in 2007 is an easy way for all Americans to
be as ready as possible if an emergency occurs. The Ready Campaign Web site at
www.ready.gov <http://www.ready.gov/> provides individuals, families and
businesses with a variety of tools and check lists to help them get started."

A recent national survey conducted by The Advertising Council found that 91
percent of individuals agreed that it is important for all Americans to be
prepared for emergencies, but only 55 percent said that they had taken any steps
to prepare. 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.

Through its Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps program, DHS educates and empowers
Americans to prepare for all types of emergencies, including natural disasters
and potential terrorist attacks. Last month, the department and the Ad Council
released new television, radio, print, outdoor and Internet public service
advertisements (PSAs) for the Ready Campaign. The PSAs highlight the fact that
many families have not yet taken the steps needed to prepare, including getting
an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan and learning more about
different emergencies and their appropriate responses.

Citizen Corps, a DHS grassroots initiative, brings the preparedness message
alive at the local level by providing information, training and opportunities to
get engaged in community preparedness. Nearly 2,100 Citizen Corps Councils
across the country bring together local governments and emergency responder
groups with non-government organizations to plan, train and exercise together.

By visiting www.ready.gov <http://www.ready.gov/> or calling 1-800-BE-READY,
Americans can learn how to prepare themselves, their families, homes and
businesses for emergencies. Individuals can also get involved in preparing
their communities by visiting www.citizencorps.gov
<http://www.citizencorps.gov/> and contacting their nearest Citizen Corps
Council. Through these resources individuals can access free materials that
will help them make a New Year's resolution that will bring peace of mind.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) promotes individual emergency
preparedness through the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps as part of a broader
national effort conducted by the Department's Directorate for Preparedness.
Ready is a national public service advertising campaign produced by The
Advertising Council in partnership with DHS. 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 <http://www.ready.gov/> or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive free
materials. Citizen Corps, DHS' 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
<http://www.citizencorps.gov/> .
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