National Technical Information Service Launches New Homeland Security Information Center

U.S. Department of Commerce Technology Administration: "Homeland Security" is a short phrase that encompasses a wide range of complex issues. In response to an enormous demand for information on these issues during the last twelve months, The National Technical Information Service has created a new central site, The Homeland Security Information Center . Visitors to the Homeland Security Information Center will find that the site's homepage is divided into five important topic areas: health and medicine; emergency preparedness and response; biological and chemical warfare; food and agricultural safety and safety training packages. Under each topic heading, NTIS has assembled a menu of important documents and multi-media resources. Many of the documents can be accessed and downloaded immediately.

Searchers looking for information on combating terrorism, for instance, will find: Combating Terrorism: In Search of a National Strategy; Combating Terrorism: Key Aspects of a National Strategy to Enhance State and Local Preparedness and Combating Terrorism: A Compendium of Recent Counterterrorism Recommendations.

The site also contains information on West Nile Virus, smallpox, vaccines, waterborne and other disease outbreaks, biological and chemical warfare, chemical agents, and safety training packages for reducing problems associated with fires, hazardous materials and biological, chemical and hazardous materials.

The National Technical Information (NTIS), an agency under the Technology Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, manages and dispenses a peerless collection of nearly three million government-funded scientific, technical, engineering and business-related publications and multi-media packages spanning more than 350 subject areas. The new NTIS website capabilities allow users to download many documents in electronic format or to order a customized CD. Up to 20 pages may be downloaded free; documents of more than 21 pages cost $8.95 per report. Customized CDs cost $18.95 for one title or $15.95 per title if more than one title is ordered.