Researchers from
the University of South Carolina are working to promote disaster
awareness and preparedness among the citizens of our state
through a new statewide campaign.
The initiative, called Be
Ready! South Carolina, is being coordinated by a USC
collaborative.
South Carolina Governor
Mark Sanford and leaders of key state agencies kicked off
the Be
Ready! campaign on September 11 as a part of National
Preparedness Month, an effort held each September to encourage
Americans to take steps to prepare for disasters.
“The need for South Carolinians to have their own
disaster plan can’t be overemphasized,” said
Sanford. “I think this initiative is incredibly important
to raising awareness on that front, so that hopefully more
of our residents will be prepared if the need arises.”
The Be Ready! campaign is designed to provide specific
preparedness information for South Carolinians, according
to SLED Chief Robert Stewart who also coordinates homeland
security for the state.
“Our goal through this campaign
is to encourage every South Carolinian to take the necessary
steps to protect themselves and their families against disasters
of all types,” said Stewart.
As part of this preparedness initiative, a multi-media public
service campaign will be launched along with grassroots efforts
to engage all sectors of society including businesses, faith-based
organizations, schools, neighborhood associations and other
community groups.
The media campaign is being coordinated by Dr. Sonya Duhé,
an associate professor in USC’s School of Journalism
and Mass Communications. Dr. Lee Pearson with the South Carolina
Public Health Institute will oversee the grassroots efforts
as principal investigator for the project.
“The University of South Carolina has been an active
participant in the preparedness efforts of our state for
many years,” said Pearson. “The current role
that USC has in working alongside other state agencies is
a clear example of our leadership in the preparedness arena.”
USC’s Institute for Public Service and Policy Research
is also involved in this vital effort. The Institute, under
the direction of Dr. Bob Oldendick, is conducting statewide
assessments to determine citizen awareness and preparedness
across all populations and geographic regions throughout
the state. Both Duhé and Pearson will translate the
findings of this research to strengthen the focus of the
South Carolina efforts and those of other states.
The Be Ready! campaign is funded
by a $242,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
For more information and to learn how to prepare
yourself and your family, visit www.BeReady.SC.gov.
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from the event> |
