While public health staff and other first responders such as fire, police and EMS plan and train for emergencies, individuals must also be prepared for a variety of emergency situations. For any individual, being prepared begins with three easy steps: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.

As we learned during the hurricanes of 2005, emergency assistance from the federal government or other first response agencies might not be immediately available during a large scale emergency or disaster. That is why it is important for individuals to take steps to prepare themselves and their families so they can sustain themselves in the days immediately following an emergency.

• Emergency Preparedness for Families & Individuals
  Taking simple steps now can minimize the impact of an emergency
• Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Special Needs
  Create a support network to help in an emergency
• Emergency Preparedness for Businesses
  Every business should have an emergency plan
• Emergency Preparedness for Schools
  Schools should plan for any emergency, including natural disasters, disease outbreaks and terrorist acts
• Emergency Preparedness for Faith Based Organizations
  Many people turn to their faith community or leader for support during an emergency