By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The federal Department of Homeland Security has designated this month as National Preparedness Month. Governor Bob Riley and Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker are asking residents to take an active role in thwarting terrorism. They're sponsoring "Be Ready Day" at the state Capitol Friday. Walker says there's a good reason to get the public involved. He says more than 23-hundred weapon of mass destruction incidents have been reported in the state during the past three years. Walker says fewer than 500 of them required a criminal investigation and follow up.