| Detailed information is a very important factor in | | | | during and after a disaster. Contact the National |
| emergency preparation. It's important to | | | | Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration |
| understand what threats and hazards can affect | | | | (NOAA) at to obtain additional information on |
| your environment. Some areas are more | | | | alerting capabilities. |
| exposed to fires, while other areas may be more | | | | Public Response and Emergency Evacuation Plans |
| susceptible to water and flood damage. | | | | To learn how the public prepares for a disaster |
| Danger and Risk | | | | find information about community response plans, |
| Understanding the most common danger and | | | | including who is in charge and what emergency |
| risks in your area will allow you to better plan for | | | | phone numbers you should have on hand. Read |
| emergencies and to educate your family | | | | and learn the evacuation plans and drills, and put |
| members. Contact your local emergency | | | | some time aside to visit designated emergency |
| management office or local American Red Cross | | | | shelters locations so that you and your family |
| Chapter to gather the information required to | | | | know where to go should the need arise. In the |
| create your emergency plan. Ask about specific | | | | case that you do not own a vehicle, find out in |
| dangers like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and | | | | advance what the emergency evacuation plans |
| fires that threaten your neighborhood and request | | | | are for those without private transportation such |
| information on how to prepare for these common | | | | as locations of pick up stations for public |
| hazards. To obtain additional information about | | | | transportation evacuations. |
| local danger and risks, get a copy of your | | | | It is also very important, in addition to your |
| Community Disaster Plans and read it carefully. | | | | community's response and evacuation plans, to |
| Emergency Warning Systems | | | | learn about the emergency plans and procedures |
| Obtain information on how your local authorities | | | | that exist in places where you and your family |
| will warn you and your family of an imminent | | | | spend time such as places of employment, |
| disaster and how they will provide information | | | | schools, and child care centers. |