By Lilla Hammond
September 24, 2001

RESOURCES Copies of the US Commission on National Security for the 21st Century reports (a.k.a. the Hart-Rudman Commission reports) are available through the Mayors Emergency Response and Homefront Readiness Hotline. To request information, contact the Conference at 888-828-8763 (USME) or email homefront@usmayors.org.

In response to the recent terrorist attacks and security mobilization efforts taking place in cities across the country, the U.S. Conference of Mayors announced on September 18, 2001 a new toll free "Mayors Emergency Response and Homefront Readiness Hotline." The line has been established to:

• Continually collect information regarding what cities are doing to assist victims and impacted jurisdictions;
• Provide current information regarding crisis response needs in New York City, the Washington, DC area and other jurisdictions;
• Provide recorded legislative alerts on Congressional and Administration initiatives regarding response to the attacks and support for emergency preparedness efforts across the nation;
• Serve as a clearinghouse for any questions a mayor or his staff may have regarding the current crisis;
• Provide resources regarding local preparedness planning and best practices; and
• Provide website updates on additional information available through our usmayors.org home page.

Tom Cochran, Executive Director, stated, "I believe that this line will be of benefit to our members, the Conference as an organization, and our national leaders." The first call came in at the very beginning of the next business day. Since then, the Conference has answered a number of calls from mayors' offices across the country, some requesting copies of mutual agreements among cities, their agencies and other nearby cities and states; and, requests for more information about how cities can provide assistance to the City of New York.

The toll free phone number for the line, which will be manned by Conference personnel, is 1-888-828-8763 (USME). Requests for information, suggestions for how the new hotline can best serve you and details about your city's emergency preparedness and assistance programs may be emailed to the Conference at homefront@usmayors.org.