Minor League Baseball Teams and the Boy Scouts Pitch In to Prepare for Emergencies Nationwide

For the third consecutive year, Minor League Baseball is partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. More than 35 teams are stepping up to the plate during the 2006 season to help encourage fans to prepare for emergencies.

"Enjoying a local ballgame is an American tradition that attracted more than 41 million spectators last season," said Homeland Security's Undersecretary for Preparedness George Foresman. "We appreciate Minor League Baseball's continued support of the Ready Campaign. Through their assistance, and that of the Boy Scouts of America, we will reach baseball fans throughout the nation with important preparedness messages."

Teams across the country will hold Ready nights during the 2006 season where local Boy Scouts, Citizen Corps volunteers and other community members will distribute emergency preparedness brochures to fans. The brochures and other materials available at www.ready.gov provide valuable information to help individuals prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Teams will also feature the Ready public service announcements on their scoreboards and in game programs.

"Like baseball, preparing for emergencies takes planning and practice," said Mike Moore, president and CEO of Minor League Baseball. "Our organization is proud to be part of the Homeland Security and Boy Scout efforts to educate Americans on how to prepare their families in case of an emergency through the Ready Campaign."

Boy Scout troops across the nation are taking part in this effort for the third straight year. By participating in the preparedness initiative, Scouts are able to earn the Good Turn for America Award, which fosters joint community service projects between the Boy Scouts and organizations like Homeland Security. More information about the Boy Scouts of America and these awards can be found at www.scouting.org.

"Each year, Boy Scouts across the country take a Scout Oath in which they pledge to 'help other people at all times,'" said Roy L. Williams, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. "Our relationship with Homeland Security is a natural fit for our troops. One of the most important ways they can help our communities is to provide their neighbors with the resources they need to prepare for emergencies."

Some teams will enlist the assistance of Citizen Corps, Homeland Security's grassroots network of state, local, and tribal councils that build on community strengths to make them safer, stronger, and better prepared. Citizen Corps councils localize the Ready Campaign's preparedness messages and provide opportunities for citizens to receive emergency response training participate in community exercises and volunteer to support local first responders. Citizen Corps councils currently serve more than 70 percent of the U.S. population.

Rex, the Ready Kids mascot, will also go to bat for Ready by appearing at select Minor League games. Developed with the help of the Advertising Council, Rex is a strong and confident mountain lion who encourages families to prepare for emergencies. Rex, along with his wife, Purrcilla; daughter, Rory; and best friend, Hector Hummingbird, help educate children about the simple steps their families can take to prepare for emergencies.

2006 Season Participating Minor League Baseball Teams and Schedule of Ready Games As of May 8, 2006

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security promotes individual emergency preparedness through the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps as part of a broader national effort conducted by the Department's Preparedness Directorate. Ready is a national public service advertising campaign produced by The Advertising Council in partnership with Homeland Security. The Ready Campaign is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. Individuals interested in more information about family and business preparedness can visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to receive a "Get Ready Now" brochure. Citizen Corps, Homeland Security's grassroots effort, localizes preparedness messages and provides opportunities for citizens to get emergency response training, participate in community exercise,; and volunteer to support local first responders. To learn more and to get involved, contact your nearest Citizen Corps council by visiting www.CitizenCorps.gov.

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