Is America Safe?

As the devastation and death toll from deadly Hurricane Katrina becomes more apparent, it is a grim reminder that we live in dangerous times.

Every year, millions of people around the world lose their lives or have them seriously disrupted because of floods, tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes, blizzards and hurricanes.

In today's troubled world, we face even greater threats from terrorism, civil unrest, explosions and the possibility of chemical, biological or even nuclear attack.

In the United States, the terrorist threat is not only from overseas groups; domestic terrorism has been with us for decades. Violence on the road and in our places of work and schools is another growing area of concern.

?In the last 25 years there has been more than 320 domestic terrorist incidents and suspected incidents ? an average out of one every month over this period.

?Over a quarter of the U.S. population are children. In the last eight years more than 40 students, teachers and custodians have been shot dead at incidents in schools.

?More than 1.7 million people are the victims of violent crime while at work.

?There are 1,200 road rage related deaths every year with a further 40,000 people killed in traffic crashes and half a million hospitalized, "The threat is real and it is growing," warns Is America Safe.com, a new website dedicated to protecting Americans and the Homeland from natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

Every year about 1.7 million people are victims of violent crime while working or on duty. About 75% of these incidents ? around 1.3 million ? are simple assaults while an additional. However, over 800 workplace homicides occur every year ? more than two every day somewhere in the country.

"Not only are many Americans not safe at work, many bosses are doing little to protect their workers in the event of an emergency ? whether from natural causes or man-made such as violence and terrorism," says Is America Safe.com spokesperson Don Philpott,

"It is a disturbing thought that more than half the businesses in the United States do not have a crisis management plan ? what to do in the event of an emergency - and many that do, do not keep it up to date. Even fewer businesses and organizations have a physical security plan to protect their building and people who work in it," he says.

"How many of these buildings are safe from terrorist attack or natural disaster. And what about the nation's 110 million households? How many families would know what to do in the event of another Katrina or other emergency," says Philpott.

"Terrorism is not a new challenge and it is not going to go away any time soon so we have a duty to our families, friends and loved ones to ensure that the places where we live, work, learn and play are secure and that the people using them are safe," he says.

Is America Safe.com has launched a series of practical handbooks on how to plan for and survive a major emergency whether it is a natural disaster like a hurricane or flooding, or a man-made incident, such as a terrorist attack.

"Our aim is not to alarm people but to prepare and protect them so that they have the tools they needed to survive, get on with their lives and preserve the freedoms that we all hold so dear," he adds.

Ends

For more information go to www.isamericasafe.com or contact Don Philpott at 407.862.5477

Don Philpott has been writing, reporting and broadcasting about security, civil unrest and terrorism for almost 40 years. For 20 years he was a senior correspondent with Reuters-Press Association, the wire service, traveling the world reporting on major events and trouble spots including Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Israel, South Africa and the Far East. He is now senior correspondent with Homeland Defense Journal, the leading homeland security publication in the U.S. , and he writes for magazines and newspapers in the United States and Europe.

He is the author of more than 50 books and is a regularly contributor to radio and television programs on security issues. His latest book to be published this fall is The Building Security Handbook.

He has produced special reports on Protecting the Athens Olympics, The Threat from Dirty Bombs, Anti-Terrorism Measures in the UK, The National Guard , Nanotechnology and the U.S, Military and The Global Impact of the London Bombings, published in August, and which resulted in a number of radio interviews in the U.S. and UK

In The News:


Modesto Bee

Comcast's 'intelligent home' offers high-tech peace of mind
Sacramento Bee
It's part of the growing interest in "intelligent home" systems, which let consumers – wirelessly from any location using their computer, tablet or smartphone – check their home's security system, as well as flick on the lights, ...
Comcast joins growing home-security marketSacramento Business Journal

all 3 news articles »

Lock up your home to avoid holiday blues
gulfnews.com
By Dina Aboul Hosn, Staff Reporter Dubai: Police have renewed the call for holidaymakers to register their houses in the Home Security Programme before leaving the country, which ensures the safety of their residences while they are away.

and more »

TIME

The battle for the 'smart home' heats up
Baltimore Sun
They're now also competing to help you operate a "smart home." Comcast and others — from home alarm incumbent ADT Security Services to wireless and broadband competitors such as AT&T and Verizon — are all jockeying to supply technology and services ...
New Comcast service turns TV into data centerBoston Globe
Comcast's Xfinity Home aims for comprehensive controlElgin Courier News

all 136 news articles »

Protect America, Inc. Ranks Among The Top Ten Residential Home Security ...
Houston Chronicle
Founded in 1992, Protect America is a leader in the industry and the first to create the monitored self-installed wireless home security system business model. Protect America announces it is ranked as the 8th largest residential home security company ...

and more »

Financial Times

AT&T Expands in Home Security to Seek Gains Beyond Phones
BusinessWeek
By Scott Moritz on May 07, 2012 AT&T Inc. (T) (T), looking for growth outside its slowing phone business, plans to start selling home-security services in a move aimed at challenging market leader ADT. The service lets users watch camera footage of ...
ATandT barges into home security and automationBoston Herald
AT&T Plans Nationwide Launch of Wireless-Centric Home Security and Automation ...MarketWatch (press release)
AT&T Mobility moves into home security marketNewsOK.com

all 395 news articles »

Events for the family
Philadelphia Inquirer
Kwikset Smart Security Tour Home security show. Home Depot, 1651 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. 5/25. 9 am-1 pm. Also at Home Depot, 4640 Roosevelt Blvd. 5/26. 9 am-1 pm. The Liberty Party DJs, food, drink specials the fourth Saturday of each month.


ABC News

Limbaugh bust security costs Mo. taxpayers $1100
WLNE-TV (ABC6)
(AP) - The Missouri House has spent more than $1100 in taxpayer money on a security camera to keep watch over a new bronze bust of conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, the House clerk said Thursday. Clerk Adam Crumbliss said he authorized the camera ...
Limbaugh bust security costs Missouri taxpayers $1100KMOV.com

all 206 news articles »

Consider Home Security Your Biggest Home Improvement
MarketWatch (press release)
The first step in protecting your home is to consider a security review and audit of your home. Established security firm Dyno are the UK's largest mobile emergency locksmith service and offer a free security review with no obligation to buy.

and more »

Wall Street Journal

USDA Is a Tough Collector When Mortgages Go Bad
Wall Street Journal
"It was a shock when I got the note that they were going to garnish my Social Security check," says Jeanne Marie Andersen, a 74-year-old widow who lives in Lake Crystal, Minn., and took out a USDA loan in 2007. Ms. Andersen lost her home to foreclosure ...

and more »

Police warn of possible alarm company scam
WNDU-TV
Initially, O'Connor asked the home security representative if there would be any additional charges or new contracts associated with the system upgrade. The representative answered no to both inquiries. Yet, Thursday night O'Connor noticed a contract ...

and more »
Google News

How to Buy a Safe for Your Home

The first step is to determine who or where you... Read More

Katrina: Lessons Learned on the Nature of Man

For many years, novels and films have given us apocalyptic... Read More

Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 2; Home Security, Evacuation, and Emergency Kits

IntroductionPart 1 of this article on preparing for weather emergencies... Read More

Numbers That Can Save Your Life

It's one of those things we don't give a second... Read More

Alarm System: Contacts (Window & Door Switches)

Alarm Contacts- Contact switches are magnetic switches used to protect... Read More

The Real Desire for the UK House Buyer

Location location location, central heating, air conditioning, double glazing, good... Read More

Alarm System Keypads

The keypad is the device you and your loved ones... Read More

Who Abducted the Missing Child?

What is going on with these people who feel they... Read More

Pepper Spray Considerations

Choosing the Right Pepper SprayThere are so many types of... Read More

Kevlar Sheets for Your Home Walls

Home security is more important today than ever. You may... Read More

Tips for Keeping Your Home Invasion Free

Home invasion formerly known as burglary is the type of... Read More

Eavesdropping and Counter-Measures: Technology and Techniques

You need to know how to protect yourself, since your... Read More

Essentials For Hurricane Season

According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the East... Read More

Arson Watch Program Agency Interaction

This years fire season has already started and so far... Read More

Alarm Systems & Automobile Tires?

What do alarm systems and automobile tires have in common?... Read More

Fire Safety Tips

Did you know that fire is the third leading cause... Read More

Garage Door Openers--Buy the Best Gagage Door Opener only

Buying the right garage door opener has not never been... Read More

Hurricane Preparedness

If you are about to get hit by a Hurricane... Read More

Home Security: Your Yard is the First Line of Defense

You may not believe it but most burglars do not... Read More

Alarm System: Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke & Heat Detectors- Smoke detectors are available that will... Read More

Home Security ? Defend Your Home and Possessions Against Intruders!

With all of the emphasis in the past few years... Read More

Alarm Controls are the Brain of your Security System, Use Yours When Choosing One

The alarm control is the brain of your security system.... Read More

Avoiding Pickpockets

Every year, thousands of senior citizens fall prey to the... Read More

Security Alarm System Motion Detectors

Passive Infrared Motion Detectors- These detectors are also known as... Read More

Home Security System, You Are A winner

Have you ever been to a local trade show or... Read More