NCJ Number
199567
Date Published
September 2002
Length
111 pages
Annotation
This document provides practical information on how individuals and families can prepare for any disaster.
Abstract
Individuals and families should prepare for disasters because their local resources may not be able to help them immediately and being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. The first step is to inquire of the local emergency management office which disasters could strike the community. The first chapter describes how to prepare for any kind of disaster; provides specific information about emergency water and food; and provides a recommended disaster supply kit. This chapter also discusses evacuation, shelter, mitigation, animals in disaster, and recovering from disaster (mental health and crisis counseling). Natural hazards, such as floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms, winter storms and extreme cold, extreme heat, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslide and debris flow, tsunamis, and fire, are detailed in the second chapter. Technological and man-made hazards are the focus of the third chapter, including hazardous materials, nuclear power plants, national security emergencies, and nuclear and radiological attack. The homeland security advisory system is explained. Citizen Corps provides opportunities for people across the country to participate in a range of measures to make their families, homes, and communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps is managed at the local level by Citizen Corps Councils, which bring together existing crime prevention, natural disaster preparedness, and public health response networks with the volunteer community and other groups. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train volunteers to assist first responders in emergency situations in their communities. CERT members give support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.