This summer, President Barack Obama is calling on all Americans - young and old, from every background, all across this country - to participate in our nation's recovery and renewal by serving in our communities. As part of the Administration's call to service, United We Serve, a summer service initiative will continue from June 22nd to September 11th, the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Citizen Corps officials will be participating in several events throughout the summer to support United We Serve. You can also participate in United We Serve events across the nation this summer by visiting the new White House website, Serve.gov. On this website, you can find service opportunities in your community, register your service projects, connect with others with similar interests, and share your stories.

The 2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness: The Power of Citizen Corps, is being hosted by FEMA's Community Preparedness Division on August 9-12, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA. The conference is intended to help communities become safer, stronger, and better prepared for all types of hazards. It will bring together approximately 750 state and local elected officials, emergency management, fire and police services, public health and emergency medical services, non-governmental organizations, private business and industry, advocacy groups, and members of public. More information on the conference can be found on the conference website: http://www.iaem.com/NCCP2009.htm.

Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. Annually just under 10,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. In 2007, 64 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between June 22 and July 22. Read more at Firesafety.gov.