Public Private Partnership Napolitano addresses Public Private Partnership conference

Published 5 August 2011

DHS secretary Janet Napolitano spoke to the attendees and reiterated the private sector’s role as an important partner in strengthening the homeland security enterprise better to defend against evolving threats, including disasters

FEMA, DHS, and other partners hosted conference on Public Private Partnerships on 3-4 August.

On Wednesday, DHS secretary Janet Napolitano spoke to the attendees and reiterated the private sector’s role as an important partner in strengthening the homeland security enterprise better to defend against evolving threats, including disasters.

Just recently DHS released a report regarding the progress DHS has made in implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 commission. The report outlines advancements by DHS and its partners, including the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep).

Napolitano urged participants to get involved in this partnership program, which enables private entities to receive emergency preparedness certification. Napolitano commended the work that’s been done in the last decade to strengthen the U.S. resilience to emergencies through public and private partnerships, but reminded the audience that more can be done. She challenged the participants to continue the conversation with their community partners after they leave the conference, and find ways to increase and enhance relationships between the private sector and public sector.