Remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Announcing
the Emergency Preparedness Guide for Homeowners
WASHINGTON — Thank you, Tom, for that kind introduction. During
the last three years, we have spoken often about protecting our
nation…protecting our states…protecting our cities.
Today we’d like to reiterate the importance of protecting
our homes. Our mission to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
terrorist attacks and other emergencies is a national mission
that requires every citizen’s effort. Therefore, the protection
of our country must start with every home. We cannot protect the
homeland if we do not protect the hometown; we cannot protect
the hometown until we protect the home.
Some citizens
might think: we’ll leave preparedness and protection to
the professionals – first responders, law enforcement, governors
and mayors…much the way a person might leave the plumbing,
painting or electrical jobs in their homes to professionals. Well,
what we have been saying, and will continue to say, is that you
cannot hire out the protection of your home and family; it is
a personal hands-on job. So we are pleased to join the Homeownership
Alliance today to announce the Emergency Preparedness Guide for
homeowners. This guide will give homeowners the information they
need to prepare for any emergency and protect their most cherished
assets: their homes…and their families.
During the
past 3 years, people have asked us, “How can I help? What
can I do?” Well there are many things citizens can do. Our
Ready Campaign, for example, educates and encourages citizens
to do three key things to prepare for an emergency: one, get an
emergency supply kit; two, make a family emergency plan; and three,
be informed. Together with the Homeownership Alliance, we will
work to further spread this important message by providing the
Emergency Preparedness Guide to new homeowners across the nation.
A perfect
example of the need to be ready is what happened up in Massachusetts
this weekend. Some areas received 38 inches of snow. Many areas
lost power. As of yesterday, 500 homes still had no power. People
are still stuck inside or outside of their homes. Those who prepared,
however – those who had supplies such as food, water, flashlights,
warm clothes, a generator – weathered that storm. Those
who did not probably had a tougher time.
We know all
too well that blizzards and hurricanes, as well as terrorist attacks,
can occur anytime. So at all times, the key is…be prepared.
Many thanks to the Homeownership Alliance for their partnership
and assistance in developing the Emergency Preparedness Guide.
It’s a wonderful tool to help citizens determine how to
prepare for different threats, whether wrought by disaster or
by design. Through this effort, the Homeownership Alliance has
offered a great example of how government and private sector partners
can work together toward a common goal: to protect our citizens
and our homeland.
Finally, let
me extend my thanks to Habitat for Humanity and the other organizations
that helped build this home. The same hands that came together
here to build a solid foundation for one family’s future
happiness will be the same hands that come together to protect
an even sturdier structure than the homes you build: freedom.
Held together
by neither nails nor wood nor steel, but by the commitment, courage
and collaborative spirit shared by all of you, freedom’s
foundation will unify and strengthen us and our future generations
for years to come.
Thank you.