Citizen responsibilities

One thing is certain: No matter how well intentioned, government cannot guarantee your safety during a disaster. That is your responsibility.

The role of government must be (and is) to provide for the general welfare of the public. In a disaster, that means that we use our limited resources in a way that benefits the most people.

A well-prepared person or family is less likely to be dependent on scarce government resources, and more likely to survive and quickly recover from the effects of a disaster. Therefore, I urge you to prepare yourself and your family by visiting the following sites. – D.A. Christian, Emergency manager

Are you ready?

Get a step-by-step guide to personal disaster preparedness planning from the U.S. Homeland Security Department.

Are you Ready provides information on local hazards and how to develop and maintain an emergency communications plan and disaster supplies kit. Other topics include evacuation, emergency public shelters, animals in disaster and information specific to people with disabilities. Find out in the guide what to do before, during and after disasters like floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms and lightning, winter storms and extreme cold, extreme heat, fires, hazardous materials incidents, household chemical emergencies and terrorism.

Get prepared
The American Red Cross provides very high quality information on how to prepare at home, work, school and your community.