US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge delivers a speech during the ceremony to launch National Preparedness Month in Washington, Sept. 9, 2004. The National Preparedness Month coalition, which included the Department of Homeland Security, more than 80 organizations and all 56 states and territories, would encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare themselves and their families for any possible emergencies. (Xinhua Photo/Lv Mingxiang)

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The US Homeland Security Department and dozens of national organizations launched a National Preparedness Month on Thursday, to engage Americans in emergency preparedness.

    Speaking at a ceremony to launch the program on the Capitol Hill, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said the United States needed to be prepared for not only terrorist attacks, but also all emergencies.

    More than 80 organizations and all 56 states and territories were participating Thursday and throughout this month to work together to plan events and get critical preparedness information to more people in their communities, he said.

    Homeland security in the 21st century was about the integration of a nation "everyone its beneficiary, and thus, everyone its protector," he said. "It's a philosophy of shared responsibility, shared leadership, and shared accountability," Ridge said.

    The preparedness month would provide Americans with a variety of opportunities to learn more about ways they can prepare for an emergency, get an emergency supply kit, establish a family communications plan, and become better aware of threats that may impact communities, a statement issued by the Homeland Security Department said.

    The National Preparedness Month coalition, which included the Department of Homeland Security, more than 80 organizations and all 56 states and territories, would encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare themselves and their families for any possible emergencies, it said. Enditem¡¡