Having a well-stocked survival and first aid kit, as well as a well-defined emergency plan are the first two steps to being fully prepared for most emergencies, but being informed as to what types of hazards might plague your particular community and how to respond to them is equally as important.
Some possible examples might be:
If you live in the area of the United States between the Appalacian and Rocky Mountains, sometimes referred to as "Tornado Alley," then you should know about "tornado watches" and how to monitor local radio and TV stations for updates (See NOAA Weather Radio for additional information.). You might also prepare a storm cellar or basement stocked with emergency supplies ahead of time, or make other plans in advance as to where you and your family will take shelter.
If you live in an area where earthquakes are a possibility, you should prepare by securing any heavy objects that are likely to fall during a quake, inspecting all gas and electrical connections and repairing those that are leaky or defective, and identifying the safest places both within and outside your home that may be used for safe shelter (e.g. inside: under a heavy table or against an inside wall; outside: away from tall buildings, electrical cable/wire, and trees).
On the other hand, if you live near an active volcano, you would need to be aware of your community's warning system, know how to evacuate quickly, and have a portable survival kit easily accessible so it can be grabbed readily. It is very important that this kit contain goggles and mouth/nose coverings for every household member.
We encourage you to visit the Department of Homeland Security's website, Ready.gov, for a very extensive list of these and other regional hazards and how best to prepare for each of them.
Finally, another important way to stay informed is to learn first aid and/or CPR. Learning simple first aid can give you the skills and confidence to help when someone you know is injured. Likewise, during a time of crisis, medical aid may be delayed; therefore, it is important that at least one person from every household be trained to administer first aid, CPR, and even in how to use an automated external difibrillator (AED).
Other resources to consider:
See your local weather forecast: National Weather Service
Get involved in preparing your community: Citizen Corps
Find out about 2-1-1, the new national dialing code for health and disaster information: 211.org
