National efforts to protect against terrorism, pandemics, and natural disasters will focus in on Central Ohio, as Franklin County Commissioners welcome hundreds of law enforcement and local safety officials from around the country to the 2012 National Homeland Security Conference.

The four-day conference brings together officials from all areas of homeland security, public safety and emergency management to learn from one another and exchange information important to making our country safer.

The event at the Columbus Convention Center also features demonstrations of cutting-edge technology for law enforcement.

Commissioners Paula Brooks, Marilyn Brown and John O'Grady will be on-hand for Tuesday's Opening Ceremonies. Commission President Paula Brooks will introduce Timothy Manning, a senior level administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is spearheading efforts to create a national preparedness system to counter security threats of terrorism, cyber attacks and pandemics.

Other topics during the conference include: the capabilities of urban areas to respond to disasters in an era of shrinking budgets, the ability of local police officers to spot early signs of terrorist activity, and best practices in evacuations of major sporting facilities - including a demonstration at the Horseshoe at The Ohio State University.

Who
Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks
Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown
Franklin County Commissioner John O'Grady
Other local elected officials
Public safety practitioners from around the country

What
2012 National Homeland Security Conference

Where
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Battelle Grand Ballroom

When
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 9 a.m.