Nashville, Tennessee --- September marks the 5th annual National Preparedness Month, and the perfect time for Tennesseans to evaluate whether they are ready if a disaster strikes. The Tennessee Department of Safety, the Office of Homeland Security, Tennessee’s Emergency Management Agency and Metro’s Office of Emergency Management are teaming together to encourage residents to take action and make sure they and their families are prepared for an emergency.

WHO:          Dave Mitchell, Commissioner, Department of Safety; Rick Shipkowski, Deputy
                   Director, Tennessee Office of Homeland Security; Jim Bassham, TEMA Director;
                   Anna Smith, Citizen Corps State Coordinator, Tennessee Office of Homeland
                   Security; Julie McKee, Middle Tennessee Regional Advisor, Tennessee Office of
                   Homeland Security; Kevin Penney, Deputy Director, Metro Nashville Office of
                   Emergency Management.

WHAT:        National Preparedness Month

WHEN:        Tuesday, September 2, 2008
                   11:00 a.m.

WHERE:      Department of Safety Headquarters
                   McCord Hall
                   1150 Foster Avenue,
                   Nashville, Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.