Drexel University Selected To Participate In Nationwide Emergency Preparedness Initiative
By John McDevitt and Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The United States Homeland Security Secretary was in Philadelphia Tuesday to make an announcement about a new pilot program to strengthen security on college campuses.
Drexel University is one of seven colleges and universities in the nation (the only one in the area) picked to work jointly with the federal government in the "Campus Resilience Pilot Program."
"Whether it's an active shooter situation, a major disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake or some other hazard that endangers lives," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Tuesday.
Napolitano says campus security plans and response in the event of a crisis will be examined on campuses in the city, suburbs and rural settings.
"You know looking at the communication system. How does it work? Are there things that we can add? Are there new technologies that are developing in the communications field," Napolitano wondered.
No exact amount was given, but Napolitano says the government will redirect funds and also use existing money to support the program.
