Disaster Preparedness

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects – people are seriously injured, some are killed, and property damage runs into the billions of dollars.

If a disaster occurs in our community, local government and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you. But you need to be ready as well. Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere.

The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Being prepared and understanding what to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters. Communities, families and individuals should know what to do in a fire and where to seek shelter in a tornado. They should be ready to evacuate their homes, take refuge in public shelters and know how to care for their basic medical needs. Posting an Emergency Preparedness Checklist where everyone in your family can see it – on the refrigerator or bulletin board – is a good first step. For additional information about how to prepare for hazards in your community, contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and American Red Cross chapter.

Hazards That Occur in Our Community…

• Civil Disorders
• Drought
• Energy Emergencies
• Floods
• Hazardous Materials
• Nuclear Attack Threat
• Tornado/Severe Storms

For more information, visit: the Federal Emergency Management Agency or www.ready.gov.