Napolitano stresses shared responsibility

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said shared responsibility contributes to the resiliency and security of the United States.

Napolitano in an address commemorating National Preparedness Month stressed the importance of readiness and responsibility.

"When families are prepared -- when communities stand together and stand tall -- so does our nation," she said. "United, we send powerful messages to those that seek to do us harm: We cannot be broken, we are America -- strong and resilient."

Napolitano spoke to a panel of community volunteers, aid workers with the American Red Cross and security officials from emergency management agencies.

She said the strength of national security was an internal matter for community members as well as an external affair.

"We should measure our nation's security not just by the borders we strengthen and the laws we enforce, but also by the strength and resilience of the communities we build," she concluded.