Aug. 17, 2004

Perception Versus Preparation

GW, Red Cross Host One-Day Conference on Homeland Security

By Greg Licamele

Citizen preparedness was the focus of a one-day conference sponsored in part by GW and the American Red Cross, as leaders in government, homeland security, private industry and media gathered to find fresh ways to communicate the importance of planning to the American people. The topics discussed were fortuitous in many ways, given the Aug. 1 orange alert for some financial sectors of New York, New Jersey and Washington.

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge delivered the keynote address and said, “You cannot secure America from inside the Beltway. Homeland security must be a priority in every home, in every city, in every neighborhood across America.”

At the July 20 conference, the Council for Excellence in Government released a report highlighting gaps between citizen expectations and personal preparedness. Seventy-six percent believed the United States will be a target for another terrorist attack, with 50 percent concerned that their town will be hit. However, only 41 percent have assembled emergency kits with food, water, batteries and other supplies, while only 34 percent have looked for information about what to do or developed a family communications plan.

Beyond personal plans, the council reports that while many organizations have existing emergency plans, they are not often not well known or rehearsed. Thirty-six percent of those surveyed are aware of an emergency workplace plan, 27 percent for schools, 19 percent for cities/towns and 18 percent for the state government. GW’s comprehensive Incident Planning, Response and Recovery Manual can be found online at www.gwu.edu/~response. In light of the orange alert, GW community members should check their local plans to ensure they remain valid and updated.

To read the full Council for Excellence in Government report, visit its Web site at http://excelgov.org.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu