MEDIA ADVISORY: Public Preparedness - A National Imperative

Thought Leaders Meet at Red Cross to Address Reducing Barriers to Family Preparedness

WASHINGTON, Thursday, July 15, 2004 — On Tuesday, July 20, the American Red Cross, the George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Council for Excellence in Government are convening “Public Preparedness – A National Imperative,” a symposium of recognized leaders in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. These experts will be asked to identify challenges and barriers to public preparedness, and the needs and expectations of the public both during and after a disaster. The level of public preparedness is an issue of national security and is a shared responsibility of all levels of government, the private sector, and individuals.

Symposium discussions will drive the formulation of concrete recommendations for the public and private sector to move beyond the barriers to public preparedness. Primary themes will focus on increasing the public’s personal responsibility for their own safety.

This symposium will generate a set of concrete, actionable recommendations that can be incorporated into the National Strategy for All Hazards Preparedness being developed by DHS. The report will also be released separately in September to Congress, state legislatures and the general public.

HOSTS:	American Red Cross, The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Council for Excellence in Government
WHEN/WHO:	Tuesday, July 20, 2004 8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks by Marsha J. Evans at ARC President and CEO, American Red Cross Evans will discuss identified personal barriers to disaster preparedness, the individual responsibility for personal safety and the shared responsibility that communities must embrace. 8:50 a.m. Presentation of Research Findings by Patricia McGinnis at ARC President & CEO, Council for Excellence in Government 9:00 a.m. Panel # 1 – Not If, But When: Defining the Issues at ARC Moderator – Frank Cilluffo, Associate Vice President for Homeland Security The George Washington University 10:30 a.m. Panel # 2 – Prepare Now…Prepare How: Setting Goals Discussion at ARC Moderator – Susan Neely, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs U.S. Department of Homeland Security Noon Keynote Speaker, Tom Ridge at GWU Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
WHERE:	Morning Sessions -> American Red Cross National Headquarters 2025 E Street NW, Washington DC Keynote Address at Noon -> The George Washington University 1957 E Street NW, Washington DC

Media are invited to attend morning sessions at the American Red Cross and the keynote address at the George Washington University. Speakers and panelists will be available for interviews after the conclusion of each segment. Please note: Media wishing to cover Secretary Ridge's luncheon at GWU address must present a current credential and must be in place by noon. Check in will begin at 11:30 a.m. at 1957 E Street NW.