Disaster
can strike at any time. Planning will reduce the harsh impact of
natural hazards. Following a disaster, response officials will be on
the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Therefore, it is
important for you to create a disaster preparedness plan. This plan
will be a powerful tool during an emergency. It will provide you with
greater control and thus reduce the stress of the situation.
Become aware of hazards in your community.
Assemble
a disaster safety kit and create a disaster preparedness plan. Involve
everyone. Decide where you will meet after a disaster strikes. Learn
basic first aid.
Make
your environment safer. Conduct an audit of your home and business.
Take steps to correct any identified hazards and ensure that safety
devices, such as smoke detectors, are working properly.
Practice and maintain your disaster preparedness plan.
For
several specific hazards, this website provides information that will
help you understand the hazard and simple steps you can take to better
protect your family and home. Making a disaster safety kit and purchasing insurance are things that you should do to reduce your
vulnerability.