Americans Remain Complacent as Devastating Disasters Strike

New Study Finds Many Americans Largely Unaware of Local Emergency Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Embargoed) - June 19, 2012 - Despite a record-breaking year of federally declared disasters in 2011, including floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires, many Americans still lack basic awareness of their local emergency communications systems.  At the BE Safe America Congressional Briefing presented by Safe America Foundation at the U.S. Capitol, Federal Signal Corporation today announced the findings of the 2012 Public Safety Survey, which takes a hard look at how knowledgeable and prepared Americans are for emergencies.  While the survey found that more than 56 percent of Americans believe they are aware of the steps they need to take should disaster strike, the results uncover a shocking lack of knowledge?and even indifference?surrounding emergency alerts and notifications.

"Not only is it necessary to create a  thorough preparedness and response plan for an emergency or disaster, it's critical that people are as educated as possible about the emergency communications systems in place within their communities?which can prove lifesaving," said Len Pagano, president and CEO, Safe America Foundation.  "We were surprised to see just how many people remain unaware of the alerting systems in their area, and even more disconcerting, how many are apathetic in their response to emergency scenarios and communications."

Conducted for the third consecutive year by Zogby International, the survey found that 71 percent of Americans are unsure if they have a personal alerting and notification system (ANS) in their area, which includes a combination of options for calls, text and email message notifications.  Yet, respondents said they would be more motivated to take action in an emergency by ANS alerts than any other communication, ahead of traditional warning sirens, radio and TV public services announcements and even word-of-mouth communication from friends and family.

The survey also showed that the public is largely unaware of their local warning sirens.  More than half (57 percent) of those surveyed do not know when sirens in their area are tested, and 70 percent are unaware of the sounds and sirens associated with various warnings.  In fact, more than one in four respondents did not know if their community has a warning siren system at all.

"With all of the options available to keep the public informed of nearby disasters or emergencies, we were alarmed to see how many people aren't aware of the existing notification systems in their communities," said Joe Wilson, president of the Industrial Systems Division, Safety and Security Group at Federal Signal.  "In times of crisis, people need to act fast?or risk waiting until it's too late.  Now more than ever, it is essential that we educate communities on the emergency communications options available to them, and to drive the sense of urgency surrounding swift response to emergency alerts."

Even severe weather conditions do not motivate Americans to take action.  Less than one half (47 percent) of survey respondents would take action based on a potential severe weather warning and one-third (33 percent) of respondents would require actual property damage or injury in order to care strongly about public safety awareness.  Further, one in four respondents (28 percent) would require confirmation of severe weather, such as an actual tornado sighting, flood waters or a visible fire in order to take immediate action.  A shocking 1 in 12 people said that nothing would cause them to care.

"We were shocked to see that the public could be so complacent when it comes to awareness and response to emergency communication," said Wilson.  "The fact that people could receive a warning that wouldn't motivate them to action is extremely concerning, particularly with 99 FEMA major disaster declarations issued last year alone."

Survey findings show that the public continues to rely on community officials to ensure public safety.  In fact, results found that more than half of respondents (58 percent) trust local and regional government to ensure sufficient public safety standards, communication and planning in their area.  Yet, only 29 percent feel that their community officials currently are investing in, or giving government attention to, their public safety.  In terms of potential contributing factors, more than one-third feel that the economy has had a negative impact on the level of investment in their community.

"Preparedness starts with awareness," said Wilson. "As emergency managers strive to support their community with effective programming and planning, it's imperative that the public stay informed of what communications systems local officials and emergency managers currently have in place?and more importantly, that communities are prepared to respond efficiently and effectively."

For more information on the 2012 Federal Signal Public Safety Survey, visit http://www.alertnotification.com/.

About the Survey

Zogby International was commissioned by Federal Signal to conduct an online nationwide survey of 2,059 adults. All surveys were completed June 1 through June 4, 2012. A sampling of Zogby International's online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the U.S., was invited to participate.

About Federal Signal

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE:FSS) enhances the safety, security and well-being of communities and workplaces around the world. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and institutional customers. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates four groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions, Federal Signal Technologies, and Fire Rescue. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: http://www.federalsignal.com.

About the Safe America Foundation & BE Safe America

Yes, it's true!  Beth Moore is coming to Moline!

She will be at the I-Wireless Center July 27-28!

Have you purchased your tickets yet?

In addition, You Lead, a LifeWay women's ministry training, will be held on July 26-27 prior to the Beth Moore's Living Proof Live event.

 • Beth Moore                          • Travis Cottrell

Group seating for Beth Moore's Living Proof Live is still available for a limited time.

Here's how it works:

Buy a block of 50 or more seats in your name or your church's name for $60 each from LifeWay: click here.

Two weeks prior to the event, you will be asked to submit the names of those in your group to LifeWay.  Those who purchase group seating will have their section reserved for them.

All other tickets, in less than groups of 50, may be purchased through LifeWay for $65 each with general seating admission click here.

The weekend schedule is:

Thursday, July 26 You Lead training for women; 1:00 pm-6:00 pm, with registration beginning at 11am.

Friday, July 27 You Lead training for women resumes at 7:45 am and concludes at 1:00 pm with an addition bonus workshop at 1:15.

Friday, July 27 Beth Moore: Living Proof Live; 7 pm - 9:30 pm, with doors opening at 6 pm.

Saturday, July 28 Beth Moore: Living Proof Live; 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, with doors opening at 7:30 am.

To become a part of the Prayer and Publicity Network, click here.  As a PPN partner, you will receive updated prayer requests, information and the opportunity to have your women's bible studies listed for the attendees.  What a privilege to know you are part of the work of God in the Quad Cities as you pray for and promote this event!

Often people ask what Beth will be teaching/speaking on.  To her commendation, Beth seeks the Lord on behalf of us, the Quad Cities, and will speak forth what He leads her to say.  Be praying for her, Travis Cottrell who will be leading us in worship, and for the entire LifeWay team as they prepare for Living Proof Live, Moline, 2012!!

For more information, contact LifeWay or locally, Evie Gardner, City Coordinator at 563-359-5333 or egardner@harvestdavenport.org

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012?Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that $8.4 million in financial assistance is available to support 23 new partnership projects in several Mississippi River Basin states under USDA's Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). These projects will fund producer activities that will avoid, control and trap sediment and nutrient runoff from agricultural lands, improving water quality throughout their operations.

"We are building on our Mississippi River actions from previous years by continuing to target priority conservation practices in priority watersheds to improve water quality in the basin," Vilsack said. "USDA is committed to working cooperatively with agricultural producers, partner organizations and state and local agencies to improve water quality and the quality of life for the millions of people who live in the Mississippi River Basin."

The MRBI was first announced in September 2009 and provides financial assistance for voluntary projects in priority watersheds in Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. MRBI is helping producers implement conservation and management practices that prevent, control and trap nutrient runoff from agricultural land. Selections were based on the potential for managing nitrogen and phosphorus -- nutrients associated with water quality problems in the Basin -- while maintaining agricultural productivity and benefiting wildlife. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages the initiative.

The 23 selected projects are located in Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Below are examples of selected projects and the financial assistance available for their implementation in fiscal year 2012:

• Middle Cache River Project (Arkansas) - $222,900 to improve water quality, reduce sediment and enhance wildlife habitat in a watershed near the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. This project supports the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, a commitment by federal, state, and local entities to preserve and protect the nation's natural and cultural heritage. Sponsor: the Jackson County Conservation District.
• Upper Minnesota River Project (South Dakota) - $247,287 to improve water quality by helping landowners avoid, control and trap nutrient and sediment runoff from private and Tribal lands. Sponsors: the Roberts Conservation District, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe and others.
• Lindsey-Honey Creek Watershed Project (Iowa) - $329,000 to reduce nitrogen entering the Mississippi River from the Maquoketa River Basin. Sponsor: The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District.
• Middle Fork of Salt River Watershed Project (Missouri) - $366,188 to improve and monitor water quality and agricultural productivity. Sponsor: Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The projects are funded through NRCS's Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI), which engages local partners to help provide outreach and technical assistance to agricultural producers. CCPI funds both new and existing projects each year. Earlier this year, NRCS provided nearly $64 million in financial assistance through Farm Bill conservation programs to support the 95 existing MRBI projects first funded in 2010 and 2011.

USDA works with state and local governments and private landowners to conserve and protect our nation's natural resources, helping preserve our land, and clean our air and water. In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil erosion. President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors initiative in 2010 to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people. During the past two years, USDA's conservation agencies?the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Farm Service Agency?have delivered technical assistance and implemented restoration practices on public and private lands. We are working to better target conservation investments, embracing locally driven conservation and entering partnerships that focus on large, landscape-scale conservation.

Learn more about the CCPI and the MRBI at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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