Ready Campaign Enables Businesses, Kids, Families and Public To Take Part in Homeland Security

In the wake of 9/11, America has seen many security-related changes, from heightened border control to enhanced passport features.  As technology fortifies its position in our daily lives and security threats persist, homeland security will continue to focus its efforts on issues of information sharing, national preparedness and protection of the American people.

However, the average American can often feel quite removed from this process. Besides the extended wait time while standing at the airport security checkpoint, the average person has little knowledge of the inner-workings of homeland security. According to President Bush, the nation needs to build a "culture of preparedness," where every individual has common responsibilities in homeland security.

To bring this mission to life, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set a nationwide security preparedness objective under the guise of the Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, launched in 2003, is "a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks." While the general purpose of the Ready campaign is to address possible vulnerabilities in the instance of an emergency or disaster, it narrows its focus by breaking down the steps of individual, family and business preparedness.

The Ready campaign makes it possible for families to access a list of suggested or beneficial supplies to have on hand in the case of emergencies. Families can also identify the types of natural disaster most prevalent and most likely to strike their region.  By doing so, parents and children can devise detailed action plans specific to each type of possible threat.

Since natural disaster awareness has been in practice for many years, the Ready campaign spends a significantly larger amount of time addressing national security threats, such as biological, chemical, nuclear and radiation attacks. Addressing each threat individually, the Ready campaign prepares individuals and business by 1) defining the nature of these attacks, 2) initiating a discussion about possible reactions, and 3)providing possible solutions, whether through offering additional resources or proposing questions that all families and businesses should address.

At the heart of the Ready campaign for preparedness is the communication plan. The communication plan, which can be made specific to family or business, outlines the chain of designated individuals to contact if a disaster occurs when not all members are present. An established communication plan can outline safe locations in which to meet or the primary contact to call in the case of an emergency.

To disseminate this information, the DHS has utilized a plethora of media and news outlets, including television, radio, print, outdoor and Internet public service advertisements (PSAs).  The campaign also hosts two Web sites and two hotlines -- each designated for English and Spanish, respectively.

Since its launch in 2003, the Ready campaign has developed additional, audience-specific sites, including Ready Business and Ready Kids sites. At the Ready Business site, employers can find practical steps and easy-to-use templates to help them plan for the future, as well as useful links about business continuity and disaster preparedness information.  Meanwhile, Ready Kids features many of the original Ready campaign elements; however, much of the material has been redesigned to fit a child's perspective.  The DHS reports that the site serves as a tool for parents and teachers to educate children specifically between eight and twelve about family preparedness.

In addition, the Ready campaign has formulated information packets and awareness campaigns for specific groups, including pet owners, senior citizens and disabled Americans.

While the site puts significant emphasis on educating the American people about homeland security, the DHS wants to remind all citizens to listen to messages from local emergency managers or radio and television broadcasts.  In the event of an emergency, these public officials will inform citizens of the safest places to seek shelter and, if necessary, initiate the call for evacuation.

Homeland security remains a top concern of Americans throughout the nation.  While not all emergencies can be predicted or even prepared for in exact detail, what all Americans can do is remain calm and follow the steps outlined by the Ready campaign.