Are You Ready? A Guide To Citizen Preparedness
Release Date: November 2, 2004
Release Number: 1546-053
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ASHEVILLE, NC -- As North Carolinians recover from the effects of both Tropical Storm Frances and Hurricane Ivan, they face the challenge of rebuilding their lives, and rebuilding their homes. While the impact of these storms is still powerful, residents may want to prepare themselves and their families, as well as their homes and businesses, for the possibility of another disaster in the future.
One of the primary mandates of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is to educate the public, on a continuing basis, about how to be prepared in case of a national emergency – including a possible terrorist attack. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness does this by bringing together facts on disaster survival techniques, disaster-specific information, and how to prepare for and respond to both natural and manmade disasters.
This guide provides a step-by-step outline on how to prepare a disaster supply kit, emergency planning for people with disabilities, how to locate and evacuate to a shelter, and even contingency planning for family pets. Manmade threats from hazardous materials and terrorism are also treated in detail. All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during a natural or manmade emergency. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.
Your free copy of Are You Ready? is available by calling the FEMA publications warehouse toll-free number at 1-800-480-2520.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed a website, www.ready.gov, to help you prepare for natural and manmade disasters.
For specific information on preparedness in North Carolina, go to the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety website, www.nccrimecontrol.org, and click on "Citizens."
We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-Nov-2004 13:26:44