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Disaster Preparedness

Find out what you can do for Homeland Security, and learn how to prepare for natural disasters

The attacks of September 11, 2001, and the more recent loss of life and property in Hurricanes Rita and Katrina have renewed the public’s focus on the need for disaster preparedness. While the debate rages about the role of government - at all levels - in preparedness for and recovery from tragedies such as these, it’s the citizens and communities most directly affected whose role is pivotal.

Therefore, preparedness must be a part of citizens’ daily lives and, as such, can be something that will improve their neighborhoods and communities in the process. Together, they can unite for a stronger community - and a stronger America. By making sure they are better prepared at home, in their schools, in their places of worships, and in their businesses and factories, citizens can do much to minimize loss of life and ensure that their community survives a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.

Natural disasters can frequently be predicted so that people have some time to prepare. But criminals and terrorists strike without warning, making it essential to have in place well-planned responses to such events.

Information about Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness Tips
General advice on preparing your family and your community for natural and man-made disasters

Tips for Parents
Make sure your kids know what to do in the event of an emergency

Planning for Emergencies: A Family Guide
What to consider when preparing your family a disaster or other emergency

Making Sure You've Got What It Takes
Supplies you should have on hand in the event of an emergency

Strategies
Techniques that people can use to protect themselves in the event of a natural or man-made disaster

Programs on Disaster Preparedness

Celebrate Safe Communities
Celebrate crime prevention and local communities making a difference

Downloadable Resources on Disaster Preparedness

Title Description Size
File Citizen Involvement in Homeland Security Insert This 8 page booklet provides details on the Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) programs 289.8 kB
File Community Participation in Homeland Security This report summarizes the first-ever National Watch Groups Summit held in May 2007 to discuss the role they play in homeland security and community preparednes... 1.2 MB
File Crime Prevention Can Spur and Support Homeland Security in Neighborhoods and Communities This report outlines similarities between preventing crime and preventing terrorism, and suggests the benefits of the two disciplines working together 279.8 kB
File Disaster Preparedness: A Checklist Free, helpful resource for protecting your family from disaster 26.1 kB
File Family Link-Up Plan A simple tool for helping families coordinate during an emergency 57.1 kB
File Making 9-1-1 Work for You: Things Kids Need To Know A reproducible handout from the 2009-2010 Crime Prevention Month Kit on what kids should know about dialing 9-1-1. 89.3 kB
File Swine Flu: 21 Things Law Enforcement Needs to Know An overview of the assets and strategies available to law enforcement to combat the effects of H1B1 30.0 kB
File United for a Stronger America Citizens' Preparedness Guide A 31 page booklet on how you should prepare for and respond to an emergency 561.9 kB
File What Teens Can Do Against Terrorism How Young People Can Help Their Communities To Prepare and Respond, 2004 222.2 kB
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