2 Sep 2009

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano introduces the ads in New York
Ads designed to highlight National Preparedness Month across US
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today joined with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate and the Ad Council to launch a new series of Ready Campaign public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies, kicking off September's National Preparedness Month.

"Preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with the American people," said Secretary Napolitano. "These public service advertisements highlight the simple steps everyone can take to prepare for disasters, enhancing the safety and security of our country."

"Emergency response is a team effort, and the most important member of that team is the public," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "The truth is, the more the public does now to prepare, the better we can respond in the future. That's why we are launching PSAs, encouraging Americans to visit Ready.gov and learn how they can do their part to prepare."

Produced pro bono by advertising agency Cramer-Krasselt in conjunction with the Ad Council, the new Ready PSAs - produced for television, radio, print, outdoor and the web - direct audiences to find national and local preparedness information and resources.

The Ready Campaign encourages Americans to take three simple steps to prepare for emergencies:

  • (1) Put together an emergency supply kit
  • (2) Make a family emergency plan
  • (3) Get informed about the types of emergencies that could take place in their communities and appropriate responses

Secretary Napolitano unveiled the new PSAs at an event in New York City's Times Square, joined by New York City Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Bruno, American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern, American Red Cross of Greater New York CEO Theresa Bischoff and Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon.

"Ready has made significant progress, but the farther we get from a major disaster, the more difficult the challenge in motivating Americans to prepare," said Ad Council President and CEO Peggy Conlon, "Our new PSAs, developed in partnership with DHS, are engaging and motivating and will go a long way in increasing our country's level of preparedness."

In addition to the national Ready PSAs launched today, New York City's new public service campaign - Ready New York - was also announced to encourage all New Yorkers to prepare for emergencies. The national Ready ads have also been localized for a number of other cities, including Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Chicago, Eugene, Oregon, Houston, Kansas City, Mo., Los Angeles, and San Francisco - as well as the states of Utah and Virginia and the U.S. Navy and U.S. Virgin Islands.