Girl Scouts preparedness patch unveiled

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LAUREL, Md., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The new Girl Scouts patch developed to help Scouts and their families prepare for emergencies was introduced Tuesday to the public.

"This new preparedness patch will increase citizen preparedness and enhance our country's readiness for disasters," Homeland Security Department Secretary Janet Napolitano said when Girl Scouts of the USA Chief Executive Officer Kathy Cloninger unveiled the badge in Laurel, Md., as part of President Barack Obama's My Education, My Future initiative.

The preparedness patch program, developed by the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides emergency preparedness information and activities at all levels of Girl Scouts, the Homeland Security Department officials said. Requirements needed to earn the patch include identifying and preparing for potential emergencies; learning about local alerts and warning systems, and engaging in community service.

"As a former Girl Scout, I know the 'Be Prepared' motto well -- and I look forward to working with the Girl Scouts to spread the preparedness message to all of our nation's citizens," Napolitano said.