A comprehensive and balanced strategy to protect the homeland encompasses five strategic objectives: (1) prevent terrorist attacks; (2) reduce our vulnerability to terrorism; (3) prepare to respond and recover from an attack or natural or man-made disasters; (4) sustain homeland security consistent with American values; and (5) shape the global environment to reduce the threat of terrorism. (Center for American Progress, Safe at Home: A National Security Strategy, February 25, 2008, p. 3)