National Preparedness Month is a good time to consider the unique challenges we face in our communities when disaster strikes. FEMA Region V located in downtown Chicago, IL. -- the third largest city in the U.S. in a vibrant metropolitan area. Every day millions of people commute to work, attend school, and enjoy our beautiful parks and attractions - right in our downtown area. Chicago is not unlike many urban areas around the county, but how many of us consider the unique challenges and threats that can arise when we live and work in the heart of all the action?
Living and working in an urban area, it’s easy to take for granted that everything you need is at your fingertips. But what would you do if there was an emergency? How would your family cope if the power was out? What would you do if your family was separated and you couldn’t reach them?