NATIONAL SURVEY SHOWS LACK OF PREPAREDNESS
FOR A DIRTY BOMB ATTACK
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) today released a national survey on homeland security preparedness, showing that at least 81% of those polled said the threat of a “dirty bomb” is serious, yet less than one third (32%) feel prepared for a terrorist attack.
The national survey of public sentiment finds that a majority of likely voters would not know what to do in the event of a “dirty bomb” attack, and have not taken steps to make themselves more prepared.
“Seven years after 9/11 proved that America was vulnerable, the American people know the danger of a dirty bomb, but they don’t know what to do about it,” said R-TAC chairman James P. Pinkerton. “The sense of urgency that sparked R-TAC will help deploy much-needed support to federal, state, and local responders to address the threat of a dirty bomb. This is the best way to honor their efforts and protect America.”
AMONG THE FINDINGS:
- 81% said they consider the threat posed to the United States by the possibility of a “dirty bomb” attack by terrorists to be serious.
- A majority (56%) said they were not confident they would know what to do in the event of a “dirty bomb” attack.
- 63% said they do not feel prepared in the event of a terrorist attack on their community.
- Only 34% of voters agreed the government was doing a good job informing people about preparedness for a terrorist attack.
The nationwide survey of 502 likely voters was conducted August 25-28, 2008 by Mr. Peter Brodnitz of the Benenson Strategy Group. To view the poll in its entirety, please visit www.r-tac.org.
About Benenson Strategy Group:
The Benenson Strategy Group is a nationally recognized strategic research and consulting firm founded in 2001. Peter Brodnitz was named “Pollster of the Year” in 2007 by the American Association of Political Consultants – a bi-partisan award given to one pollster per election year. The Benenson Strategy Group’s clients include Governor Tim Kaine (VA), Senator Jim Webb (VA), and Barack Obama’s campaign for President.
About R-TAC:
The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) is a national, not-for-profit and nonpartisan coalition composed of a broad group of first-responders, business groups, health advocates and homeland security experts. R-TAC seeks to prepare, protect, and prevent a radiological disaster in our country by providing information and resources on the risk of a radiological catastrophe such as a series of “dirty bomb” attacks.
For more information about the coalition, please visit www.r-tac.org. To set up a media interview with Chairman Pinkerton or any of the Advisory Board members, please contact Tarah Donoghue at 202-879-5817.
# # #
Sign Up!
Become a member, and receive members only information.
