Atlanta – The Safe America Foundation held a Congressional Briefing at the Russell Senate Building in Washington D.C. on March 31, 2011, hosted by Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO).

The Congressional briefing previewed Safe America’s 9/11 Drill Down for Safety: March to 1 Million campaign and planned remembrance event before Congressmen, individuals in the Preparedness sector and supporters of the March to 1 Million initiative, including Travelers Insurance, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, DRI International, the Center for National Policy, the U.S. Chamber and many others.

The Former First Lady of West Virginia, Gayle Manchin, spoke on the importance of the Text first. Talk Second.TM Campaign—relying on texting as the main source of communication in the case of an emergency to free phone lines for First Responders. Gayle Manchin and Robin Read, CEO of the National Foundation for Women Legislators, also spoke on the importance of the First Spouses Campaign—an initiative to involve First Spouses in encouraging their states to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Congressman William "Lacy" Clay (D-MO) acknowledged the importance of the Safe America programming, joining Safe America in honoring the America Red Cross's Mark Smith for the development of their "Ready Rating" program, featuring a 123-point assessment designed to help businesses be more prepared for emergencies.  Anheuser-Busch's Mike Roche was dually honored as the national founding sponsor of the "Ready Rating" program.

About The Safe America Foundation The Safe America Foundation is a Marietta, Georgia based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to addressing emerging health and safety issues – at home, work and play. Founded in 1994, the foundation develops educational programs in partnerships with academic, corporate, public and non-profit sectors. For more information on the Safe America Foundation’s 9/11 Drill Down for Safety: March to 1 Million Campaign, visit us online or contact Mary Lou Pagano at (770) 973–7233.

For more information, contact: Christina Dela Cruz Communications Manager Phone: (770) 973-7233 Email: Christina.DelaCruz@safeamerica.org