After the bombing of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001 the Federal Government took it upon themselves to apply $10.6 billion from the Fiscal Year 2002 Emergency Budget Supplemental towards the cause of protecting America from security threats. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created, which instated new security regulations within the borders of the US. Despite the steps that have been taken by the government, it is also the responsibility of the individual to help protect their fellow citizens. There are several important ways one can help keep America safe from the threat of terrorism.
Join the Citizen Corps
After 9/11 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA initiated the Citizen Corps, a program that offers opportunities for individuals to directly participate in homeland security issues. There are several key components of Citizen Corps. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) enables Americans to actively participate in emergency and disaster planning response within their area. Operation TIPS (Terrorist Information and Prevention System) enables transportation workers, postal workers, and public utility employees the ability to report suspicious activities that could be linked to terrorism. The institution of the Medical Reserve Corps and the Patriot Readiness Center enable retired medical and federal employees to supplement current staff during times of emergency.
Not everyone is looking to run out and join the Citizen Corps, but there are other ways to do your part to help protect America. One way is to join or initiate a Neighborhood Watch program. These often grass-roots programs help keep communities safe and help raise awareness of potential future security threats. If there is not currently a Neighborhood Watch program instituted in your area and you are interested in starting one The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has a great checklist to help you get started. It can be found at http://www.ncpc.org/cms-upload/ncpc/File/chklist.pdf.
Perhaps the easiest way to do your part is simply by being alert and reporting anything out of the ordinary to proper authorities. This has been dubbed “See and Say.” It is something anyone can do and the importance of the “See and Say” aspect of the individual’s role in homeland security became particularly evident after the failed Times Square car bombing in May 2010. An attentive street vendor noticed a suspicious vehicle, alerted the authorities and successfully prevented what could have been a tragedy.
Ultimately, it is as much the responsibility of the individual as any government agency to help prevent and deal with threats to homeland security. By joining a Citizen Corps program, initiating or participating in a Neighborhood Watch, or just staying alert and reporting suspicious activity you can help ensure your neighborhood and America as a whole stays safe and crime free.
