Americans should know that along with that announcement comes action. Homeland security professionals at all levels of government -- federal, state or local -- as well as the private sector are hard at work to increase security in communities across the country.

We know that this country is blessed with citizens marked by great resolve. During times of crisis Americans want to know, "What can I do to help?" There is much that can be done to help protect this great nation.

We are asking Americans to be more vigilant and to report suspicious packages, vehicles or activities to local law enforcement. We are also asking Americans to continue responding to President Bush's call to action -- a call that asked every American to give at least two years, or 4,000 hours, over their lifetimes in service to their community and country.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps to expand opportunities for Americans to serve in their local communities and in countries around the world. The president also established a new Citizen Corps initiative within the Department of Homeland Security to engage all Americans in making our communities better prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds, including acts of terrorism.

With Citizen Corps, the Department of Homeland Security launched the "Ready" campaign, a public education initiative that provides practical advice about how to be prepared for and respond to terrorism and other emergencies. The Ready campaign asks people to take three basic steps toward preparedness: make a kit, make a plan, and be informed. Citizen Corps helps deliver that message and provides people at the community level different ways to get involved.

In less than two years, Citizen Corps and the Ready campaign have forged a citizen preparedness movement in the country. More than 900 communities in all states and territories have established Citizen Corps Councils to coordinate local activities that will help train citizens to participate in emergency preparedness efforts and provide volunteer service opportunities for individuals to support our first responders.

Citizen Corps Councils, now serving more than one-third of the entire U.S. population, are mobilizing volunteers to respond to emergencies; helping develop emergency communication plans; participating in hazardous materials, chemical and biological exercises; conducting surveys of public facilities and houses of worship for use in developing community emergency plans; helping to train schools on emergency procedures; providing year-round support to first responders; and educating citizens on the need to have a family plan and disaster kit.

Key programs of Citizen Corps are expanding as well. Practicing and retired doctors and nurses are now part of a new Medical Reserve Corps. More than $10 million in federal grants are supporting 167 communities around the country as they enlist the help of medical professionals to volunteer during disasters and prepare for emergencies that threaten public health. Medical Reserve Corps units are engaging in bioterrorism exercises, preparing for infectious disease outbreaks, and administering youth immunizations and flu vaccinations.

Neighborhood Watch, an effective crime-prevention initiative for more than 30 years, is experiencing a renewal across the country. The subject of a popular public service campaign with Ed McMahon, Neighborhood Watch is encouraging Americans to take responsibility for the safety and security of their communities.

Since the president's call to service, Neighborhood Watch programs have nearly doubled from 7,500 to close to 15,000.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training has now grown from 170 communities in 28 states to 635 communities in all 50 states and one U.S. territory. As a result, Americans are receiving hands-on training in first aid, fire safety, basic search and rescue, and disaster preparedness. A total of $35 million in federal funds have been distributed to support this training, and Citizen Corps volunteers trained in CERT have responded to wildfires in the West, Hurricane Isabel in the East, energy blackouts this past summer, and severe ice and snowstorms last winter.

Volunteers in police service programs have grown from 76 in January 2002 to more than 700 programs today, enlisting more than 38,000 volunteers in all 50 states to aid our police officers. These volunteers are performing vital roles by participating in school safety patrols, assisting with filing and administrative work, providing crisis counseling to victims of crime and their families, combating auto theft, and leading crime and drug-abuse prevention programs in their communities. The work of these volunteers frees up police officers to perform their vital frontline duties.

Earlier this year, Congress appropriated $40 million through the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen these Citizen Corps efforts. The Department of Homeland Security, through both the "Ready" campaign and Citizen Corps, is involving citizens at the state and local levels in our national preparedness and prevention efforts. The Homeland Security Department has also created a network of 15 national nonprofit organizations and federal government agencies under the Citizen Corps umbrella that provides resources and materials for public education or training, offer volunteer service opportunities and represent volunteers with an interest in homeland security.

America has always had a great tradition of service. On Sept. 11, Americans responded to the attacks on our nation with courage and compassion, strength and resolve. We hope that all Americans will take the steps outlined in the Ready campaign and will join Citizen Corps to prepare communities. Together, we will build a safer, better prepared America.

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