Etheridge Surveys Local Educators About School Security Needs

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

December 6, 2005

Contact: Joanne Peters
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Surveys Local Educators About School Security Needs

RALEIGH -- U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) has sent surveys to educators throughout the 2nd Congressional district to evaluate the preparedness of local schools for a potential emergency. Etheridge, the only North Carolina Member of Congress on the House Homeland Security Committee, plans to use the survey's results to evaluate the status of school security in North Carolina and how the federal government can work with schools in this area.

The survey is part of a larger project by House Homeland Security Committee Democrats to gather information on school security. The project is being conducted at Etheridge's request.

"On September 11, 2001, dozens of schools around the World Trade Center in New York City were evacuated. Tragedies like this remind us that our schools are vulnerable. We live in a new time and schools now more than ever need to have plans and resources in place to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and other emergencies," said Etheridge. "The Homeland Security Committee will use the results to make sure that the federal government is taking effective action to keep our children safe."

Etheridge's school security survey focuses on preparedness, communication, coordination and funding. It was sent to all public school principals and superintendents in the 2nd Congressional district. In August, Etheridge held a roundtable discussion with local and state officials, first responders, parents and educators to discuss the current status of school security in North Carolina. Etheridge is also supporting legislation in Congress that would make schools eligible for Department of Homeland Security grants to prepare for, prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and other emergencies.

Etheridge plans to release the results of the survey in early 2006.

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