Launch of National Preparedness Month 2006 and New Emergency Preparedness Resources for Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities
| WHO: | U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary George Foresman American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Group Executive Officer Chris Hansen American Red Cross Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Response Joe Becker National Organization on Disability President Mike DeLand National Fire Protection Association President and CEO James M. Shannon Battalion Fire Chief John Burger, D.C. Fire Marshall’s Office
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| WHAT: | Launch of National Preparedness Month 2006 and new emergency preparedness resources for older Americans and individuals with disabilities developed by DHS, AARP, American Red Cross, the National Organization of Disability and National Fire Protection Association. A local first responder will also demonstrate how to make an emergency supply kit and family emergency plan to the residents and staff of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
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| WHERE: | Armed Forces Retirement Home Scott Building/Cordiner Dining Hall 3700 N. Capitol St., NW Washington, D.C.
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| WHEN: | Wednesday, September 6, 2006 8:45 am -- 9:05 am Press Arrival / Pre-set: *NOTE: Media must be pre-set by 9:05 am 9:30 am -- 9:55 am Remarks 9:55 am -- 10:05 am Emergency preparedness demonstration 10:10 am -- 10:30 am Questions and Answers
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| WHY: | Through its Ready Campaign, DHS encourages all Americans to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the types of emergencies that can happen and their appropriate responses. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates more than 84 million Americans are over age 50. According to the National Organization on Disability, 54 million men, women and children in America have disabilities. These new resources outline specific steps older Americans and individuals with disabilities should take to prepare.
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| CONTACTS: | DHS Press Office: 202-282-8010; Neiman Group: Kim Lehman, 717-215-9712 or Claire Keyes, 717-919-1061
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