Homeland Security

Since the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have all come to realize the importance of vigilance and the need to be prepared. I strongly encourage all of our citizens to take an active role in the nation’s and our county’s homeland security efforts.

All of us need to learn how to prepare for emergencies, whether it’s a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. You need to learn how to be prepared, what responses can be expected from our region’s emergency services, and what situations are a real concern and which ones you don’t have to worry about.

The Pima County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is an excellent resource for practical advice on how to be prepared for the worst. The Office also offers opportunities to become involved in volunteer organizations vital to our collective safety. They include the Community Emergency Response Teams, or CERTs, that operate in communities throughout Pima County and train you and your neighbors to provide immediate assistance in the event of a large-scale emergency. Information about other volunteer opportunities, such as with Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers, or SAV, local police and fire department volunteer programs, and the Medical Reserve Corp, are also available. You may also consider volunteering at hospitals and schools.

Another important way you can become involved is through the Pima Sheriff’s Department’s Terrorist Intervention, Prevention and Solutions hotline known as 547-TIPS (547-8477). The TIPS line allows citizens to report information or suspicious behavior related to terrorism.

We all have a role in Homeland Security and your participation is important. For my part, I will continue working to ensure that Pima County is as well prepared as we possibly can be and that we receive our fair share of the state and federal money critical to our county’s defense and preparedness efforts.

To contact Pima County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, please call 520-798-0600 or e-mail at emergency@pimahealth.org . Please browse the website at www.pimahealth.org/emer.asp