WASHINGTON - The tornados, flooding, and wildfires recently experienced in parts of the United States are another reminder of how critical it is for Americans to prepare for emergencies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign has launched an updated version of its Website, www.ready.gov, to educate Americans about the steps they should take to be ready for a variety of emergencies.

"All Americans have a responsibility to take steps now to be prepared for emergencies whether they are caused by nature or by man," said Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Preparedness George W. Foresman.

Ready, a national public service advertising campaign, was launched in February 2003 to educate Americans on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The campaign encourages individuals and businesses to use www.ready.gov to learn how to prepare an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and be better informed about the types of emergencies that can occur. The site now provides increased state and local information so Americans can learn about the types of emergencies that are more likely to happen in their area and the plans that have been established to deal with these emergencies. The campaign's Website has received more than 1.9 billion hits and 23 million unique visitors.