Emergencies and disasters strike quickly and with little or no warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?
Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but cannot reach everyone right away. If a disaster strikes, you need to know how to take care of yourself and your family.
People can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and with families working together as a team. Preparing for a disaster or emergency is a responsibility that begins with each individual. We can not control all the emergencies that will occur in our lives, but we can be ready to face them by knowing what to do and taking action to prepare.
Two things that will always help you in an emergency or disaster are clear thinking and quick reactions. If you can stay calm in a crisis, you will be better able to make the right decisions. Once you decide the best action to take in a particular situation, do it. There is no room for second-guessing or hesitation in a disaster or emergency.
Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
Four Step Disaster Plan
- Understand What Could Happen
- Create an Emergency Plan
- The Preparedness Checklist: What You Need to Know
- Maintain Your Plan
Note: Much of this information was developed by
FEMA and the American Red Cross and is being used with permission.