You and your family can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility. Utilize the Four Steps to Safety plan and become better prepared for an emergency.

Understand What Could Happen

Emergencies such as terrorism, fire, flood, communicable disease or those caused by natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes can happen anywhere to anyone.

Create an Emergency/Disaster Plan

Discuss the types of disasters and emergencies that are most likely to happen and what to do in each case. Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Know your neighbors' skills (i.e., medical, technical) and consider how you can help neighbors with special needs.

The Preparedness Checklist: What You Need

Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs and those of each family member for three to five days.

Maintain Your Plan

Review your plan every six months and quiz your family about what to do. In addition to taking steps to prepare for your own safety, citizens are encouraged to "be involved" by becoming active participants in preparing their community and helping others. There are many ways to volunteer to ensure that communities are safer, stronger and better prepared to react to a variety of emergencies.

Jefferson Welle, R.N.
Preparedness Prevention Specialist
Collier County Health Department
3339 East Tamiami Trail, Suite 145
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-2631