News : FEMA ASKS: ARE YOU READY?

Preparedness must be a collective effort shared by all who are affected by disastrous storms and flooding, according to Michael R. Scott, federal coordinating officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The FEMA guide, Are You Ready? can help individuals plan and prepare for severe storms, and flooding such as occurred May 25 and is continuing.. Not to mention tornadoes!

Are You Ready? is an in-depth guide to help individuals prepare for disasters of any kind, both natural and man-made. The guide is especially prepared for the general public and covers easy and practical disaster specific steps including emergency planning, assembling disaster supply kits, evacuation, sheltering, mitigation, animals in disaster and recovery. It also advises individuals with special needs on how to prepare for the unexpected.

While state emergency personnel will respond quickly to the scene of a disaster, it really helps if individuals and families do their part by planning ahead. A family that plans ahead will be better prepared before, during and after a disastrous weather event.

Are You Ready? is available free, through the FEMA publications warehouse by calling toll-free, 1-800-480-2520 and requesting publication IS-22, or DHS's Be Ready toll-free number, 1-800-Be Ready (1-800-237-3239), where you also can order free Ready Kids in-school materials. Are You Ready? also is available to view online and in portable document format (.pdf) at www.ready.gov or via the FEMA Web site, www.fema.gov , where you also can download supply kit lists and family communication plans.

"When it comes to being ready for severe winter storms, tornadoes, flooding or any other natural disaster, there is no substitute for knowing how to keep yourself, your home, business and family safe said Scott, Are You Ready? is an invaluable resource for citizens, organizations, public libraries and emergency preparedness agencies."