National Survey Shows Lack of Preparedness for Dirty Bomb Attack

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.

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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 [url=http://www.r-tac.org]http://www.r-tac.org[/url].

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