Property Protection Group Commends Homeland Security’s Focus on Readiness and Resilience
TAMPA, FL – October 1, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today praised the work Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is doing to ensure that Americans are prepared for disasters. As National Preparedness Month (NPM) comes to a close, Secretary Napolitano is delivering a major speech today challenging all Americans to view disaster preparedness as a shared responsibility, and urging communities to build a year-round culture of readiness and resilience.
“We strongly support Secretary Napolitano’s efforts. Being prepared for, and knowing what to do in case of emergency, whether the problem is man-made or due to Mother Nature, can make all the difference in the world when you only have seconds to act to save your life and property, and/or the lives of others,” said IBHS President and CEO Julie Rochman.
“Earlier this month we commemorated both the tremendous pain and the inspiring heroism we witnessed and experienced on September 11, 2001, one of the worst emergencies in our nation’s history,” Rochman said. “We also measured how far we have come since that day, how much we have learned and improved. We must continue to focus on readiness and resiliency by taking steps today to ensure that our families and our communities are truly better prepared for, and protected from, future disasters.”
To help people determine which natural disasters their home, business, and community faces – and how to prepare for and protect against those hazards – the IBHS Web site, http://www.disastersafety.org/, offers a ZIP code-based tool that generates a list of location-specific risks.
In addition, “how to” and “do it yourself” property protection projects are provided to help reduce the chances of loss from hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, windstorms, severe winter weather and hailstorms. There also is a video gallery on the Web site with examples showing how to perform many of these relatively easy tasks, as well as disaster planning resources for small businesses.
“IBHS’ mission is to provide home and business owners with proven ways to minimize risk and protect their property from both man-made and natural catastrophes,” Rochman continued. “IBHS is proud to work with Secretary Napolitano, DHS and all the members of the National Preparedness Month 2009 Coalition to help ensure Americans will be ready when the next disaster comes,” concluded Rochman.
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IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.
Contact:
Brenda O’Connor (813) 675-1043
boconnor (at) ibhs (dot) org
