Emergency Preparedness

Overview

Devastating natural disasters, like the tornadoes, floods and wildfires that have recently occurred throughout the country this year highlight the need for Americans to prepare in advance for emergencies. The public’s complacency is the largest challenge. 60% of Americans say preparation for natural or man-made disasters is very important to them, yet only 17% of Americans claim to be very prepared for an emergency situation.

The Ready Campaign recommends taking four steps towards preparedness: 1) be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses, 2) make a family emergency plan, 3) build an emergency supply kit and 4) get involved by finding opportunities to support community preparedness.

The new PSAs illustrate the importance of preparing for tomorrow as “you never know when the day before a natural disaster is the day before.” They direct audiences to Ready.gov/Today, where Americans can find local disaster preparedness information, a downloadable family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists, and other preparation resources.

Ready Kids
A family-friendly extension of the Ready Campaign, Ready Kids is a tool to help parents and teachers educate children, ages 8-12, about emergencies and how they can help their families prepare.  Launched in February 2006, the Ready Kids Web site (www.ready.gov/kids) features fun games and puzzles as well as age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to be better prepared for emergencies and the role kids can play in that effort. The website also has additional resources and information for parents and teachers on emergency preparedness and response.