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# November 24, 2008 {#november-24-2008 .Facsimile-Line}

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Dear Partners in Preparedness:

As the New Year approaches, the Department of Homeland Security's
*Ready* Campaign is once again reminding people that *Now's the Time.
Resolve to be Ready in 2009.* While nearly 50 percent of Americans make
New Year\'s Eve resolutions, very few manage to keep them. The *Ready*
Campaign would like to make an emergency preparedness resolution easy to
keep by providing the tools and resources needed to take the three
important steps: get a kit, make a plan and be informed. We hope you
will join the *Ready* Campaign this Holiday Season in promoting *Resolve
to be Ready*.

Enclosed you will find a toolkit to help your organization develop
internal and external messages to encourage your members, employees,
constituents, customers and community to make a New Year's resolution to
prepare for emergencies. You will also find Web banners for your
organization's Web site, a sample e-mail and a PowerPoint that you can
share with your key constituents.

You can also visit [www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/) or call
1-800-BE-READY to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and
how to receive free materials, including family emergency plan templates
and sample business continuity plans. Additionally, you can help spread
the message throughout your community by partnering with other local
organizations to host and arrange activities and events around New
Year's Eve.

#### If you have questions or would like to showcase your organization's involvement in Resolve to be Ready 2009, please e-mail [***ready@dhs.gov***](mailto:ready@dhs.gov). We wish you a very happy and safe New Year!

Sincerely,

![](media/image3.wmf){width="1.625in" height="0.43125in"}

Erin Streeter

Director, *Ready* Campaign

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

**Tool Kit Table of contents**

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **[Materials and                    **[Page Number]{.underline}**
  Documents]{.underline}**            

  Sample Ideas Organizations Can Use  4
  to Encourage Preparedness           

  Ideas for Utilizing New Media       5

  *Resolve to be Ready* Web Banners   6

  *Resolve to be Ready* Poster        7

  Sample E-mail Promoting *Resolve to 8
  be Ready*                           

  Sample Newsletter Article           9

  Preparedness Tips to Include in     10
  Newsletters                         

  *Resolve to be Ready* Information / 11
  Talking Points                      

  Media Pitch Template                13

  Media Training Quick-Reference      14
  Guide                               

  Event Media Advisory Template       16

  Press Release Template              17

  *Resolve to be Ready* 2008          18
  Highlights                          

  Rex Costume Order Form              20

  Ordering *Ready* Materials          21

  *Ready* Materials Order Form        22
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

SAMPLE IDEAS ORGANIZATIONS CAN USE TO

ENCOURAGE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMONG
MEMBERS/EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS/CONSTITUENTS/COMMUNITies

-   Get involved with your community's New Year's Eve celebrations. Many
    towns across the country host First Nights which are family-friendly
    New Year's Eve celebrations. These types of events provide a good
    opportunity for your organization to get emergency preparedness
    materials and information in the hands of your community members.
    There are a variety of ways you can get involved, including: handing
    out emergency preparedness materials, registering for a table to
    disseminate information, or creating a community sign-up for those
    who *Resolve to be Ready*. You can even get Rex, the *ReadyKids*
    mascot, involved! See page 20 for more information on ordering Rex.
    For more information on First Nights, please visit
    <http://www.firstnightintl.org/welcome.php>.

-   Encourage people to keep their resolution. One way to do this is to
    post the three simple steps people can take to keep their emergency
    preparedness or send them out via e-mail. Another option is to have
    people sign pledge cards as a constant reminder of their resolution.

-   Display the contents of an emergency kit at your company\'s
    reception desk.  This will serve as a great visual reminder of the
    importance of emergency preparedness for your employees or office
    visitors as they come into the office.  Next to the display, provide
    handouts of *Ready's* emergency supply kit checklist so that people
    know how to assemble their own kits.

-   Host a drive for people affected by a recent emergency such as a
    local family displaced by a fire, or local families affected by
    flooding.  Use this opportunity to encourage your
    employees/community members to think about their own family\'s
    emergency preparedness.

-   Organize an emergency preparedness event for your community or
    office. Rent Rex, the *Ready Kids* mascot, and have activities for
    children to learn about the importance of having a family emergency
    plan. For more information on renting Rex, see page 20.

-   Reach out to your local Citizen Corps Council to find out if they
    are organizing any New Year's events that your organization can
    sponsor. You can find local Citizen Corps contacts by visiting
    [www.citizencorps.gov](http://www.citizencorps.gov/).

-   Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter to schedule a Be Red
    Cross Ready workplace or community presentation. Or, find out if
    your organization can help sponsor or facilitate any preparedness
    events they may be holding in affiliation with their Be Red Cross
    Ready campaign, which educates and engages people in first aid and
    CPR training or preparedness actions throughout the year. To locate
    the Red Cross Chapter in your area, visit:
    <http://www.redcross.org/where/chapts.asp>.

-   As you plan your organization's holiday events, consider weaving in
    a preparedness theme. If you're hosting a dinner, consider giving
    each employee a flashlight or NOAA Weather Radio to include in their
    emergency supply kit at home.

IDEAS FOR UTILIZING NEW MEDIA TO ENCOURAGE PREPAREDNESS

*Ready* would like to recommend utilizing new media to promote emergency
preparedness. This could be done in a variety of ways, such as on your
blogs, MySpace or Facebook pages, podcasts, or Twitter.

Also, please follow the *Ready* Campaign on Twitter (readydotgov) and
feel free to use our planned Twitter messages in your own messages.

**[Planned Twitters]{.underline}**

1.  Give the gift of peace-of-mind by getting prepared for emergencies.

2.  Winter is coming, do you have a blanket in your car?

3.  Do you know how to shut off water valves?

4.  It's almost 2009. Have any of the items in your emergency kit
    expired?

5.  Always keep your car\'s gas tank more than half full for emergency
    use and to keep the fuel line from freezing in cold weather.

6.  Never leave candles unattended. Make sure you have a flashlight with
    extra batteries in your kit.

7.  Do you have an emergency kit in your car?

8.  In case of a blackout, keep plastic containers with water in your
    refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cold for several hours.

9.  Are your emergency contact numbers up-to-date?

10. Have an electric garage door opener? Find out where the manual
    release lever is located and learn how to operate it in case your
    power goes out.

11. Does your community have an e-mail or text alert system? Visit their
    Web site to find out.

12. Watches = severe weather is possible in upcoming days. Warnings =
    severe conditions have begun or will begin soon.

13. Do you want to get preparedness training in the New Year? Find out
    how at www.citizencorps.gov.

14. ATMs may not work during a power outage, so make sure you have extra
    cash at home.

15. Help your community or your office get *Ready* in 2009. Visit
    ready.gov to get started.

16. The end of the year is a good time to back up computer files and
    operating systems.

17. It's almost the New Year! *Now's the Time. Resolve to be Ready in
    2009.*

***Resolve to be ready* web banners**

Post any of these banners on your Web site. Electronic versions are
available for download by visiting
http://www.ready.gov/america/about/resolve2009.html

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="1.0555555555555556in" height="5.5in"}

![](media/image5.jpeg){width="5.583333333333333in"
height="0.7083333333333334in"}

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height="0.7083333333333334in"}

![](media/image7.jpeg){width="5.583333333333333in"
height="0.7083333333333334in"}

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height="0.8479166666666667in"}

![](media/image9.jpeg){width="2.2222222222222223in"
height="2.6666666666666665in"}![](media/image10.jpeg){width="2.2222222222222223in"
height="2.6666666666666665in"}![](media/image11.jpeg){width="2.2222222222222223in"
height="2.6666666666666665in"}

***Resolve to be ready* POSTER**

This poster can be posted on community and office bulletin boards, at
events, or any high-traffic locations in your community. Electronic
versions are available for download by visiting
<http://www.ready.gov/america/about/resolve2009.html>.

![](media/image12.jpeg){width="4.906944444444444in"
height="7.019444444444445in"}

SAMPLE E-MAIL ANNOUNCeMENT ENCOURAGing EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMONG
MEMBERS/EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS/CONSTITUENTS/Communities

Dear **MEMBERS**:

This New Year's Eve, nearly 50 percent of Americans will make at least
one resolution as they look toward 2009. **ORGANIZATION** wants to
encourage our **MEMBERS/COMMUNITY** to make preparing for an emergency a
resolution that is both important and easy to keep.

*Now's the Time. Resolve to Be Ready in 2009*. It just takes three
steps:

1.  Get an emergency supply kit.

2.  Make a family emergency plan.

3.  Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could
    occur in your area and their appropriate responses.

\<To help everyone take these steps to get prepared, **ORGANIZATION** is
proud to be hosting/sponsoring/organizing **EVENT**. **EVENT
DESCRIPTION**.\>

**ORGANIZATION** encourages you to visit
[www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/) to learn how to prepare your
family, home and business for all types of emergencies including natural
and man-made disasters. The Web site offers free downloadable resources,
including family emergency plan templates and sample business continuity
plans and provides you with tools to make a New Year's resolution that
will bring you and your loved ones peace of mind.

#### Wishing you a happy and safe New Year, and remember, Now's the Time. Resolve to Be Ready in 2009. 

#### 

Sincerely,

**NAME**

**TITLE, ORGANIZATION**

**Sample EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS NEWSLETTER/WEB SITE ARTICLE**

Include articles about emergency preparedness in your newsletters, local
newspaper or on your Web site. Below is an article that you can use. It
should be bylined by Erin Streeter, Director of the *Ready* Campaign.

Additionally, please feel free to utilize our *Ready* public service
advertising (PSAs) in your newsletters. They can be downloaded for free
from the Ad Council's PSA Central Web site:
[http://psacentral.adcouncil.org/psacentral]{.underline}.

***"Now's the Time. Resolve to be Ready in 2009"***

**By Erin Streeter, Director, *Ready* Campaign**

Planning is a daily part of our routine. We plan our holiday activities,
weekend activities and grocery store visits. We plan our children's
schedules and daily tasks. And, without a doubt, endless lists often
follow. There is one particular list that deserves to be checked twice
-- and it's not your holiday shopping list. We're talking about
reviewing your emergency preparedness checklist and developing an
emergency preparedness plan for your family.

As the New Year approaches, the Department of Homeland Security's
*Ready* Campaign is encouraging everyone to *Resolve to be Ready* in
2009. While nearly 50 percent of Americans make New Year\'s Eve
resolutions, very few manage to keep them, but this is one resolution
that can be easy to keep with *Ready's* three simple steps:

1.  Get an emergency supply kit.

2.  Make a family emergency plan.

3.  Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could
    occur in your area and their appropriate responses.

The *Ready* Campaign encourages you to take a few extra minutes at the
beginning of this new year to plan in case of an emergency. Consider the
following questions: Have you spoken to your children's schools about
their shelter-in-place and/or evacuation plans?; Do you know the
evacuation plan at work?; If your cell phone was inoperable how would
you get in touch with your family?; Do you have a family meeting place
and an out-of-town contact? These are just a few of the questions you
should consider as you are developing your emergency plan.

#### Free preparedness resources, such as a Family Emergency Plan template and an Emergency Supply Kit Checklist are just a click away at www.Ready.gov or www.listo.gov. The Ready Web site also has a special section for kids, ages 8-12, (Ready Kids) and small- to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business). Be sure to check it out -- print out your emergency plan template and emergency supply kit list and begin planning with your family today. 

#### 

Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the
impact they will have on our lives. Remember, *Now's the Time. Resolve
to be Ready in 2009*.

PREPAREDNESS TIPS to INCLUDE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER

**For Families:**

-   Get an emergency supply kit. Be sure to consider additional items to
    accommodate family members' special needs:

    -   Prescription medications and glasses

    -   Infant formula and diapers

    -   Pet food, extra water for your pet, leash and collar

    -   Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies,
        identification and bank account records in a waterproof,
        portable container

    -   Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

-   Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an
    emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in
    contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in
    an emergency.

    -   Determine a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place
        and an evacuation location.

    -   Identify an out-of-town emergency contact. It may be easier to
        make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an
        out-of-town contact is important to help communicate among
        separated family members. Be sure every member of your family
        knows the out-of-town phone number and has coins or a prepaid
        phone card to call the emergency contact. You may have trouble
        getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether,
        but be patient.

    -   You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places
        where your family spends time, such as a place of employment. If
        no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.

-   Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event
    of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your
    family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and
    communicate with others in advance.

**For Parents:**

> If you are a parent, or guardian of an elderly or disabled individual,
> make sure schools and care providers have emergency response plans:

-   Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis.

-   Ask if they store adequate food, water and other basic supplies.

-   Find out if they are prepared to \"shelter-in-place\" if need be,
    and where they plan to go if they must get away.

### 

### For Workplaces:

-   Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air
    conditioning system to determine if it is secure or if it could
    feasibly be upgraded to better filter potential contaminants, and be
    sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.

-   Think about what to do if your employees can\'t go home.

-   Make sure you have appropriate supplies on**-**hand.

**For Communities:**

-   Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are
    most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified.
    Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community.
    One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV
    broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call,
    or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Contact a nearby Citizen
    Corps Council for help with emergency planning, or work with your
    local government and emergency management office to help start a
    Council in your area. Visit citizencorps.gov to find local Councils
    or learn how to start one in your community.

***For additional tips and information, visit www.ready.gov***

***RESOLVE TO BE READY* BACKGROUND INFORMATION/TALKING POINTS**

***Resolve to be Ready***

-   ***Resolve to Be Ready* is an effort by the *Ready* Campaign and its
    partners to encourage Americans to make a New Year's resolution to
    prepare for emergencies by following three simple steps:**

    1.  **Get an emergency supply kit**

    2.  **Make a family emergency plan**

    3.  **Be informed** about the types of emergencies that can occur in
        your area and their appropriate responses.

***Ready* Campaign**

###### *Ready* is a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. 

-   ***Ready America*** -- provides information to all individuals and
    also includes specialized information for **pet owners, older
    Americans, and individuals with disabilities and other special
    needs**.

-   ***Ready Business*** (launched in 2004) **helps owners and managers
    of small- to medium-sized businesses** prepare their employees,
    operations and assets in the event of an emergency.

-   ***Ready Kids* (**launched in 2006) **helps parents and teachers
    educate children, ages 8 -- 12**, about emergencies and how they can
    help get their family prepared.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   **Spanish language information is available through, *Listo America,
    Listo Negocios ***and ***Listo Niños**.*

###### Visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for information about emergency preparedness. 

**Emergency Supply Kit**

-   The *Ready* Campaign recommends that a basic emergency supply kit
    include:

    -   **One gallon of water per person per day**, for three days --
        and remember to include water for your pets, too

    -   It's important to store *at least* a three-day supply of
        **non-perishable food**. Select foods that require no
        refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water and
        choose foods your family will eat: ready-to-eat canned meats,
        peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola

    -   A manual **can opener** and eating **utensils**

    -   Battery-powered or hand crank **radio** and a NOAA Weather Radio
        with tone alert and **extra batteries** for both

    -   **Flashlight** and **extra batteries**

    -   **First aid kit**

    -   **Whistle** to signal for help

    -   **Dust mask**, to help filter contaminated air and plastic
        sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

    -   **Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties** for personal
        sanitation

    -   **Wrench or pliers** to turn off utilities

    -   Local **maps**

    -   Important family **documents** such as copies of insurance
        policies, identification and bank account records in a
        waterproof, portable container

-   The *Ready* Campaign also encourages people to consider the special
    needs of their family members:

    -   **Prescription medications, extra pair of contact lenses** and
        **glasses**

    -   **Infant formula** and **diapers**

    -   **Pet food, extra water** for your pet, leash and collar

    -   Books, games, puzzles or other **activities** for children

-   For a complete list of items, **visit www.ready.gov** to download a
    free emergency supply checklist or **call 1-800-BE-READY**.

**Family Emergency Plan**

-   Families may not be together when an emergency happens and you may
    not have access to cell phones, gas stations, grocery stores or some
    of the other things that you are used to having every day.

-   A family emergency plan allows families to work together to
    **develop a meeting place**, **establish an out-of-town contact**
    and **gather essential information** that would help them to stay
    connected in the event of an emergency.

-   Download a free template at [www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/).

**Stay Informed**

-   **Ready.gov** **contains information** about different types of
    emergencies, as well as contact information for cities and states
    across the country.

-   **Call 1-800-BE-READY**

    MEDIA PITCH TEMPLATE

This pitch is meant to be sent with your Media Advisory or your Press
Release and is used in a similar fashion to a cover letter.

Subject: *Now's the Time. Resolve to Be Ready in 2009*.

Hi **\<REPORTER\>**,

As we enter the New Year, **\<ORGANIZATION\>** is urging
\<**TOWN/COMMUNITY/REGION\>** to make preparing for an emergency a New
Year's resolution that is both important and easy to keep.

It just takes three steps:

1.  Get an emergency supply kit.

2.  Make a family emergency plan.

3.  Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could
    occur in your area and their appropriate responses.

To help everyone take these steps to get prepared, \<**ORGANIZATION\>**
is proud to be **\<HOSTING/SPONSORING/ORGANIZING\> \<EVENT\>**.
**\<EVENT DESCRIPTION\>**.

Additionally, **\<ORGANIZATION\>** is encouraging
\<**TOWN/COMMUNITY/REGION\>** to visit
[www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/) to learn how to prepare their
families, homes and businesses for all types of emergencies including
natural and man-made disasters.

If you are interested, **\<SPOKESPERSON, TITLE\>** is available to speak
with you about **\<EVENT\>** and provide simple ways that individuals,
families, businesses and communities can get *Ready* for any
emergency. If you would like to speak with **\<SPOKESPERSON\>** or need
any additional information, please feel free to contact me at **\<E-MAIL
ADDRESS AND/OR PHONE NUMBER\>**

#### Wishing you a happy and safe New Year, and remember, Now's the Time. Resolve to Be Ready in 2009. 

Thank you,

**NAME**

**TITLE, ORGANIZATION**

**MEDIA TRAINING QUICK-REFERENCE GUIDE**

Consider the following tips when you're preparing to represent your
organization in media relations activities that involve pitching stories
to reporters and conducting interviews about *Resolve to be Ready 2009*.

[Talking to Reporters -- Making Your Pitch]{.underline}

-   If you don\'t know the reporter, you will have less than 30 seconds
    to get his/her attention. Get to the point quickly.

-   Always ask if the reporter is on deadline before you begin. If they
    are, ask when a better time would be to call. Exceptions to the rule
    are radio and TV talk shows. Call when the show is not on the air.

-   Tell the reporter why you are calling - \"I saw your story on\...
    and thought you might be interested in something my organization is
    doing about ...\" or \"I\'m calling to let you know about ...\"

-   If you don\'t know the answer to a question the reporter raises,
    tell them that you do not know but that you will try and find out
    for them and call back.

-   If a reporter is on deadline and is brusque, don\'t let that shake
    you. It is essential in this situation that you respond courteously
    to their situation by offering to call back, ask when would be the
    best time to call back, find out if you can fax or e-mail the
    information, etc. Others may be brusque even when not on deadline.
    Don\'t take it personally.

-   If the reporter asks you to fax or e-mail something, confirm their
    fax number or e-mail address. Many organizations change their fax
    numbers frequently. Follow up with a fax or e-mail immediately.

-   Reporters are hardly ever at their desks - although your chances are
    best in the morning. Don\'t hesitate to leave brief messages for
    reporters outlining your pitch. You can do this more than once, but
    try not to leave more than two messages. Try to keep your pitch very
    short, ask them to call, offer to fax or e-mail info, and say that
    you will call back.

-   Share what is working about your media \"pitch\" - and what isn\'t
    working - with your colleagues. It may take a couple of calls to get
    your pitch down, and when you find what works, share it.

-   Be prepared to have conversations with reporters who know a lot
    about the issue. If you finish your 30-second pitch and cannot
    answer reporters\' inquiries, you won\'t be able to sell your story.

-   Reporters want to be sure you know what you are talking about.
    Remember that your pitch should be simple, interesting, short, and
    clear. But, your knowledge should go to a deeper level.

-   Keep a log with good notes about your press outreach. Record
    reporters\' interests, key questions; note what the next steps are.
    Does the reporter want more info? Do you need to make a follow-up
    call in a few days? Record any follow-up activities on the log.

-   If a reporter says no, respect it. Do not keep harping or bothering
    him/her about the same story or angle. No doesn\'t mean \"don\'t
    ever call me again.\" It just means don\'t call again with the same
    pitch/story. Don\'t be afraid to call another time with a new story,
    or very interesting new angle, breaking news, etc.

> **[The Newspaper Interview]{.underline}**

**DO**

-   Prepare. Practice your answers.

-   Answer all questions on a positive note.

-   Talk in simple terms and keep it short.

-   Keep statistics to a minimum.

-   Be honest, responsive and factual.

-   Offer to obtain additional information when appropriate.

-   Repeat key message points to ensure the reporter has a grasp of your
    ideas.

#### DON'T

-   Improvise. Stick to your message(s)!

-   Repeat negative examples or words used by the questioner. This will
    reinforce negative ideas in the audience's mind. Answer positively.

-   Ramble. Say what you want to say as clearly and concisely as
    possible.

### [The TV Interview: What to Wear]{.underline} 

*TV is a visual medium. Viewers quickly form an impression or opinion
based solely on what they see. Never let what you are wearing distract
from what you are saying! Always check your appearance before any
on-camera interview.*

**YES**

-   Conservative, dark-colored suits are best. For men, a splash of
    color can come from your tie, but keep it simple.

-   Solid colors. For men, powder blue shirts are best for TV.

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   Hair should be neat and away from the face.

-   

-   Men ... sit on your suit coat to ensure wrinkle-free look.

-   

#### NO

-   Flashy colors, stripes, checks, plaids or floral prints

-   Distracting jewelry

-   Carrying bulky items in pockets

-   Light-sensitive glasses

-   Chewing gum

-   Carrying pagers or cell phones

### [The TV Interview: Body Language]{.underline} 

*Always remember to have relaxed, friendly body language, eye contact
and posture.*

**YES**

-   High energy and confidence

-   Friendly smile and relaxed demeanor

-   Direct eye contact with the interviewer

-   Occasional hand gestures to emphasize your point

#### NO

-   Slouch or sit uncomfortably straight

-   Shift your eyes or gaze away from the interviewer. Never look
    directly into the camera or at the TV monitor.

-   Play with pens, glasses, buttons or microphones

-   Touch your face or hair or fix your clothes while on-camera

-   Swivel in your chair

-   Bounce your leg or cross your legs

    MEDIA ADVISORY TEMPLATE FOR *RESOLVE TO BE READY* EVENTS

This media advisory template is designed to be tailored to your event
and to be used for alerting the media and inviting the media to your
event.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Attention News Directors and Assignment Editors

#### [Write a HEADING]{.underline} - (Example: \<cOMPANY\> HOLDS NEW YEAR'S BASH WITH PREPAREDNESS THEME AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES) - IncLuDE Catchy title and some details

[GIVE a brief description here]{.underline} -- 3 or 4 sentences maximum.
include and explain as briefly as possible the 5 w's of what's
happening: **who**, **what**, **when**, **where** and **why**. Please be
sure to **bold** the important/factual elements -- so they catch the
**reader's eye**.

**\*\*\*\*[PHOtos or interview opportunities-*If
Available*]{.underline}\*\*\*\***

Who: Includes the organization name, executive directors, management,
quoted sources, sponsors, speakers, etc.

What: The name of the event, what the event is about

Where: place

> address

When: FuLL DATE AND TIME

WHY: This information may not always be relevant, but it will be
important if you are putting together a fundraising event or an
awareness campaign

URL: url If available

Contact: Your name, organizer

> Phone Number
>
> E-mail Address

***RESOLVE TO BE READY* 2009 PRESS RELEASE TEMPLATE**

The *Ready* Campaign will be distributing a national press release to
promote *Resolve to be Ready* 2009. This press release template is
designed to be tailored so you can send it to your own local media
announcing your efforts.

#  {#section-9 .Facsimile-Line}

# Press Release  {#press-release .Facsimile-Line}

#   {#section-10 .Facsimile-Line}

# \<Month, Day Year\>  {#month-day-year .Facsimile-Line}

Contact: \<Contact Name\>, \<Phone\>

### \<ORGANIZATION\> Encourages Americans to *Resolve to Be Ready* in 2009

\<CITY, STATE\> -- The New Year is a perfect time to *Resolve to be
Ready* and **\<ORGANIZATION\>** is proud to be promoting emergency
preparedness for 2009. To help spread the message and make its employees
and members of the community better prepared, **\<ORGANIZATION\>** is
\<**INSERT EVENT INFORMATION HERE\>**. Sponsored by the Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) *Ready* Campaign, *Resolve to be Ready* is a
nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage
individuals, families businesses and communities to take action and
prepare for emergencies in the New Year.

Keeping New Year's resolutions is challenging, but making resolutions
that are simple and realistic is the key to success. By following the
*Ready* Campaign's three simple steps, being *Ready* for emergencies can
be an easy resolution to keep: 1) Get an emergency supply kit; 2) Make a
family emergency plan; and 3) Be informed about the types of emergencies
that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses.

**\<INSERT QUOTE FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION HERE\>**

\<**INSERT EVENT DETAILS HERE\>**

Emergencies can range from inconvenient to devastating, but by making
this resolution and following these simple steps in advance, you will
minimize the impact on you, your family and your businesses and give
yourself greater peace of mind. For more information, visit
[www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/) The Web site includes free
information, checklists and guidelines about the two other key
components of preparedness -- developing a family emergency plan and
being informed.

***RESOLVE TO BE READY* 2008 HIGHLIGHTS**

In 2008, many individuals, communities and organizations across the
nation joined the *Ready* Campaign in spreading the message of *Resolve
to be Ready*. They held events as well as developed initiatives to
educate their neighbors, co-workers and employees on how to prepare for
emergencies before they happen. Included below are a few examples of the
many ways people got the message out last year.

**[Business Emergency Response Toolkit]{.underline}**

***Citizen Corps Council, Santa Rosa County, Florida***

"We have started a business continuity initiative where we are providing
a Business Emergency Response Toolkit (BERT) to every business in the
county. We solicited sponsorships to raise \$6,500 to create 2,500 BERT
bags. After these bags are distributed early in 2008, we have Michigan
State bringing their Critical Incident Protocol 'Public/Private
Partnership' program to the region. We are hoping that these initiatives
combined with the recent addition of a business continuity desk in our
EOC will provide a starting point for businesses to get prepared for all
hazards."

**[Inclusion in Yearly Planning Process]{.underline}**

***Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors Member,
Georgia***

"As a member of the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors, I felt it was vital that we share this information with our
members. At our annual Goals Conference, I made a proposal that this be
added to our program of work. This year, we will have information and
kits available to all member businesses that are interested in starting
a plan or just getting more information for themselves."

**[CERT Classes]{.underline}**

***Citizens Corps Council, Maine Township, Illinois***

"Maine Township, IL Citizen Corps Council will be hosting several CERT
Classes in 2008 including two Skills Roundup Days, as well as Medical
Reserve Corps Training. Additionally, our Neighborhood Watch program
will have a recruiting drive with training from the Cook County Sheriffs
Police. Lastly, at this time, the Council will be assisting another area
with the formation of a new Citizen Corps Council that will serve close
to 35,000 residents. The Township's Council has been asked to take the
lead for this initiative which will include a CERT program, an MRC
Program as well as a Neighborhood Watch program. The expectation is that
by the end of the year this new council will have trained over 5,000
people. Overall, the sub-organizations under the Maine Township Citizen
Corps Council will participate in multiple community events that will
include festivals, safety days, National Night Out Against Crime, Walk
Against Drug Abuse, fire department open houses and the Susan G. Kommen
Walk Against Breast Cancer."

**[Radio Outreach]{.underline}**

***REACT International, Maryland***

"We are making it a goal to spread the message out over our radio system
which can be picked up on a standard scanner by millions of people in
VA, NC, MD, DE, and Washington D.C."

#### [Community Outreach and Events]{.underline}

#### Clifton Park Citizen Corps in Albany, NY

The Clifton Park Citizens Corps planned the following efforts for the
2008 *Ready* Campaign, and many other activities throughout the year:

-   National Night Out Against Crime will take place on the first
    Tuesday in August at the Clifton Park athletic complex. We will have
    emergency preparedness displays, sign-ups for CERT training and
    Basic First Aid and CPR. In addition, police crime prevention and
    equipment displays, K-9 demos and Officers speaking with kids and
    families. The local volunteer fire departments will showcase trucks
    and equipment. Clifton Park's Mobile Fire Prevention Bus-Classroom
    and the Sheriff\'s Mobile Command Vehicle will be open for tours and
    demos. There will be a free throw contest for kid's ages 6-13 years
    with t-shirts for all participants.

-   Brochures and info will be provided to the 8 elementary schools

-   A 9-11 Memorial Service at Spirit Park will recognize the emergency
    responders in our community. Appreciation awards will be presented
    to the 'Most Community Minded' Volunteer Fire Department, which
    signed up the largest number of persons to Town\'s RUOK? Special
    Needs Registry during our registration drive - there are 6 in Town.

-   Clifton Park Citizen Corps Web site will host \"*Ready*\" materials,
    links and information, calendar of events, classes and training
    schedules, as well as photos of volunteers in action throughout the
    year.

 - Clifton Park Citizen Corps in Albany, NY

**[Inclusion on Local Web Site]{.underline}**

***Ohio Department of Public Safety***

"We\'re going to put materials on our [ready.ohio.gov]{.underline} site
and issue a press release for the week between Christmas and New
Years---as people start thinking of their New Year\'s resolutions."

**[Involvement at Community Events]{.underline}**

***Emergency Services Volunteers & Citizen Corps Council in Denton
County, Texas***

"We plan to provide emergency preparedness education at local fairs,
retirement centers, Fire Department open houses and many more city and
county events."

**[Newsletter Article]{.underline}**

***International Bottled Water Association in Alexandria, Virginia***

"We are running an article featuring the *Ready* Campaign's messages in
our member weekly newsletter, *IBWA News Splash*."

**[Local Preparedness Campaign]{.underline}**

***Citizen Corps Council in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee***

"We are planning to provide a campaign for businesses, media and
residents for the Bristol area."

**[Support]{.underline}**

***www.Survival-Goods.com***

"We are pleased to give our personal guarantee to the *Ready* campaign
on our involvement in *Resolve to be Ready* 2008. We'll do all we can to
help prepare as many families, schools and businesses throughout the
entire US during this next coming year!"

![](media/image13.jpeg){width="4.55in" height="1.25in"}

![](media/image14.png){width="2.0701388888888888in"
height="2.75in"}**"Rex" the *Ready Kids* Mascot**

**Brought to you by the U.S. Department of**

**Homeland Security and The Advertising Council**

**Important:**

## All reservations must be made two weeks in advance. NO EXCEPTIONS!

## Requests will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. 

## (Approximately six uses per month available.) A confirmation e-mail will be

## sent upon receipt of the request to inform you of the availability. 

## This contract must be filled out with all the correct information.

## Rental fee is \$150.00 plus shipping costs.

Date Needed: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}
Date Returning:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Organization Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Organization Contact:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Contact Phone: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}
Contact E-mail:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Address:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

City: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline} State:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline} Zip:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Credit Card Information - Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Expiration Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline} CVS:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

### 

### IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

**I have read and fully understand the following financial and
maintenance responsibilities invoiced in the use of this costume:**

-   **I agree to pay for any damage that occurs to the costume while it
    is in my possession.**

-   **I acknowledge the rental agreement stating that I may only keep
    the costume for three days upon receipt. (i.e. Friday -- Monday) or
    I will be charged for \$50 per day.**

-   **I will arrange and pay for the costume to be returned by the date
    indicated.**

-   **I agree to pay \$150 + shipping for its three-day use and comply
    with all instructions including maintenance, repacking and return of
    the costume.**

-   **If the costume can't be returned by set date, I will contact M&C
    to reschedule.**

> 2841 Oakland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407-1301 • (612) 874-8176 • Fax
> (612) 874-6003

[www.mascotsandcostumes.com](http://www.mascotsandcostumes.com/) E-mail
Address: contract.service@mascotsandcostumes.com

**ORDERING *READY* MATERIALS**

Homeland Security's *Ready* PSAs, produced and distributed by the Ad
Council, are available to be shared with your members, employees,
stakeholders, etc. Include new *Ready* print ads in your organization or
community newsletters and publications, or post or play them in your
break room or at local community centers and libraries. You can also
provide copies to your local newspapers, television and radio stations
and encourage them to air the PSAs. Note that there are also localizable
versions available to state and local governments. You may view all of
the *Ready* PSAs at [www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/).

![](media/image15.wmf){width="2.816666666666667in" height="4.0125in"}To
download or order copies of the TV, radio, print, Internet or outdoor
PSAs, visit the Ad Council's PSA Central Web site at
[http://psacentral.adcouncil.org/psacentral]{.underline}. All available
materials are provided free of charge. Please check the PSA Central Web
site for the various lengths and sizes available for the public service
announcements (PSAs).

*Ready* brochures and pamphlets are also available free of charge. There
are materials for *Ready America*, *Ready Business*, *Ready Kids*, and
also brochures for pet owners, older Americans and Americans with
disabilities and special needs.

*Ready* materials are available free in limited supply. To order *Ready*
materials, please call the FEMA warehouse at 1-800-480-2520 or fax the
attached request form to 301-362-5335.

In the event that you need a quantity of materials that exceeds what can
be ordered for free, *Ready* provides a couple of options. All the
brochures can be downloaded off [www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov/),
at
[http://www.*Ready*.gov/america/publications/allpubs.html](http://www.Ready.gov/america/publications/allpubs.html).
Additionally, if you would like to have the brochures professionally
printed at your own expense, *Ready* will send you the source files.

Having brochures professionally printed at your own expense will allow
you the option to localize the brochures by placing your local emergency
contact information on the back cover.

\*\*\* **Important Note:** Please allow **4 to 6 weeks** for the
shipping of these materials. To receive materials more quickly, you can
select express mail at your own expense, and will need to provide your
DHL or FedEx number on the order form. \*\*\*

![](media/image16.wmf){width="6.738888888888889in"
height="8.434722222222222in"}