Obama attends hurricane preparedness panel

WASHINGTON, May 29 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Friday took part in a meeting with federal officials on preparedness in advance of the unofficial June 1 start of hurricane season.

At the meeting in the National Response Coordination Center, Obama was joined by 19 senior agency officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Administration head Craig Fugate.

"We are determined to be as prepared as possible," Obama said. "Most of the work takes place before a hurricane hits."

Obama said he wants to make sure families are prepared so rescue workers can concentrate their efforts on the most vulnerable citizens.

"I have no greater responsibility than the safety of the American people," Obama said.