Security firms partner

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Washington companies Ridge Global and Global Emergency Solutions will work together to provide integrated emergency planning and response services.

Global Ridge, an international risk management and security company is in Washington and led by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who was also the first U.S. secretary of Homeland Security.

Global Emergency, which also has headquarters in Washington, was co-founded by David Paulison, a former director of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We can never eliminate our exposure to risk but we can manage it and prepare for it in ways that enable us to save more lives and recover more quickly," Ridge said. "David Paulison and his team at Global Emergency Solutions will help us to optimize the level and scope of planning and preparation that our country must engage in to stay safe and operational following natural disasters and terrorist threats of varying kind."

Added Paulison: "Prevention is crucial and, toward that end, planning, preparing and building resiliency into our communities and businesses is paramount. Working with Tom Ridge and his team at Ridge Global, we bring expertise and experience to the table that is unparalleled."

The companies offer their services to government and private-sector clients.