WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (AFP) - US Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge on Thursday officially launched "National Preparedness Month" to encourage Americans to prepare for a possible terrorist strike.
"Homeland security is the mission of all the nation, a philosophy of shared responsibility," Ridge said in a speech here to scouts, emergency service personnel and Republican and Democratic legislators.
"It's a unique coalition of the public and private sectors to encourage Americans to take simple steps for them and their family in case of emergency," he said.
More than 80 organizations and the country's 56 states and territories are cooperating to plan events and inform people about how to be prepared, Ridge said.
Starbucks Coffee, Wal-Mart and America Online are among the companies taking part in the initiative with, among others, the National Police Chiefs' Organization and the America Red Cross.
"We encourage all schools to not delay in creating their emergency plans," Ridge said, noting, "It's a philosophy of shared responsibility, shared leadership and shared accountability.
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail," he said, quoting famed US college basketball coach John Wooden.
"We cannot afford to fail, the stakes are too high," he said.
Senator Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat and former presidential candidate, said, "preparedness doesn't mean living in fear. It does mean being smart about how you, your family, and community can help yourselves and others if need arises."
"With terrorism -- as with natural disasters -- it's critical to educate yourself as much as you can about what to expect and how to respond," Lieberman said.
A brochure titled "Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now" explains measures Americans can take. Details on how they are encouraged to prepare for a possible terrorist strike can be found online at www.ready.gov.