Why Prepare?

There are real benefits to being prepared.

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a tornado. They should be ready to evacuate theirs homes and take refuge in public shelters and know how to care for their basic medical needs.

The need to prepare is real.

Disasters disrupt tens of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lastin effects, both to people and property.

If a disaster occurs in your community,city government and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you, but you need to be ready as well.

You should know how to respond to severe weather or any disaster that could occur in your area - hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme cold, flooding, or terrorism.

You should also be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation.