The state of New York is the recipient of more than $344.7 million in federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security. It’s a preparedness grant of sorts, giving the monies necessary to train and equip first responders in emergencies:
“New Yorkers know all too well the evils of terrorism as the City and State remain a target for those who would cause us harm. And it is especially gratifying to see that our partners at the federal Department of Homeland Security recognize that too,” Governor Paterson said. “That is why these funds are so vital in the continuing effort to enhance our readiness and response capabilities to protect our citizens. These funds will help make sure that our valiant first responders have the tools and training they need to protect our State from potential acts of terror.
“These grants play a major role in our efforts to work with our state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners to build a national culture of readiness and resilience,” DHS Secretary Napolitano said in making the national target awards announcement this morning.
New York is one of many states to receive similar grants. If the government is putting so much money into emergency preparedness at the state level, shouldn’t that motivate individuals and families to get prepared as well? At the very least, it’s implicitly a warning that we all could find ourselves in a crisis, whether naturally caused or man-made.