FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2006

• Tom Edwards/Stacy Gimbel
• Public Information Office
• 301-763-3691/301-717-1271 (cell)
• (301) 457-1037 (TDD)
• e-mail: < pio@census.gov >

• CB06-CR.03

***CENSUS BUREAU MEDIA ADVISORY***

U.S. Census Bureau Bringing Data to Life:
Spotlight on Miami-Dade County Emergency Planning

• What:

• The U.S. Census Bureau will host a community forum with the Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management to explore how census data can be used to enhance emergency preparedness. Local planners and community organizations will also provide input about the kinds of data needed before and after hurricanes and other disasters. This is the fourth in a series of forums the Census Bureau is hosting around the country.

  Following Hurricane Wilma last year, the Census Bureau compiled data for South Florida, including thematic maps demonstrating the impact of the storm on the population and economy. In recognition of the need for more timely local data, the Census Bureau will soon release 2005 data from the new American Community Survey. These data will provide local information to emergency planners on issues such as transportation, housing, people with disabilities, languages spoken, and poverty — vital information that could affect evacuation, emergency shelter and other recovery efforts.
  

• When:

• Thursday, July 20
  Remarks: 10 to 10:30 a.m. (EDT)
  Discussion forum with community leaders: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (EDT)
  Media availability: 11:30 a.m. to noon (EDT)
  

• Who:

• Robert Palestrant, acting director of the Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management and division chief in the Miami-Dade Fire Department
  Louis Kincannon, director, U.S. Census Bureau
  Sam Tidwell, chief executive officer, American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Florida Keys
  Other local government, business and community leaders
  

• Where:

• Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management
  Fire Rescue Headquarters Auditorium
  9300 NW 41st St.
  Miami, FL 33178