Homeland Security outlines safety steps

Red Cross President Marsha Evans on Thursday launched a new nationwide campaign to prepare Americans for disaster, one day after Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced his department’s “Ready Campaign.” Speaking at the American Red Cross Chapter in Cincinnati, Evans and Ridge unveiled the “Together We Prepare” campaign, which outlined steps to prepare Americans for disasters. The initiative is the first major project by the organization after its union with the new department. The plan and Cincinnati event details were made available in Washington. “Our message is this: We cannot always predict an attack; we can always prepare,” said Ridge. “There are simple things you and your family can do to prepare for the unlikely but possible terrorist incident, namely: Make a kit, make a plan, and be informed.” The same message was contained in Evans’ speech. The simple steps, according to the Red Cross plan: A family should make a plan, identifying escape routes and meeting places for family members. They should volunteer their time and energy to help others and give blood. Full Story