PreparednessNew Jersey to launch emergency, preparedness awareness campaign

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is currently looking for a PR firm to help it launch a multifaceted awareness campaign.

PR Weekreports that the office wants to increase the level of emergency preparedness of residents, businesses, and communities in New Jersey. The goal of the campaign would be to gauge the existing preparedness capabilities of citizens as well as identify and develop new methods for communicating and delivering a preparedness message.

The office said it also wants to enhance the awareness of law enforcement personnel about the need to detect suspicious activity. The contract, which is worth $4 million over three years, will require the winner to produce and send press releases and other material to local newspapers, including the minority press, periodicals, newsletters, public health journals, and trade press. Beyond media relations, other events will be a significant component to the contract.

Companies may apply for the contract until 14 May. It is not clear whether this is a new project or a continuation of an existing project. 

The winner of  the contract will also have to use a mix of media activities. In addition to newspaper and press releases, the firm will also have to place feature stories using other media outlets.

Last year the Philadelphia Area Regional Transit Security Working Group, which consists of transit authorities in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, was looking  for a firm to start an outreach program known as the “Regional Transit Security Awareness Campaign,” which would encourage citizens to assist public safety officials and homeland security agencies. No winner has yet been declared in that search.