News Release - With Threat Level High, Etheridge Unveils Homeland Security Site

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 29, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

With Threat Level High,
Etheridge Unveils Homeland Security Site

Website Provides Information to Keep
North Carolinians Informed and Prepared

With the nation's terror alert level at high for the fourth time in just over eight months, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today unveiled a new homeland security site at www.house.gov/etheridge to keep North Carolinians informed about and prepared for potential threats. The site, which has over 30 links to federal, state and local agencies, publications and organizations, will serve as a one-stop shop to help North Carolinians keep their hometowns and their nation safe.

"Since 9/11, every level of government has made progress towards strengthening our security, but we are still a nation on guard," Etheridge said. "Recent attacks abroad and information from U.S. intelligence sources have rekindled concern and caution. Last week our nation's terror alert level was raised to high for the fourth time in just over eight months. Americans continue to wrestle with fear, uncertainty and helplessness. But today I want to tell North Carolina's families that they can make a difference. They can take steps to protect their hometowns and their nation."

Through Etheridge's website, North Carolinians can access information from the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security on how to prepare their families for potential threats. The current homeland security threat advisory system can also be found, as well as precautionary steps each individual should take for each level. Links to federal, state and local agencies dealing with homeland security also provide updates on issues ranging from bio-terrorism to agri-terrorism.

Etheridge is the only North Carolina Member of Congress serving on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. He was joined at the website launch by first responders from around the Triangle, Director of N.C. Emergency Management Dr. Ken Taylor and Pete Montague of the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.