How to Prepare for, Survive and Recover from a Major Disaster

What is a disaster? A disaster or emergency is an abnormal or unique event that occurs and requires unusual and demanding response effort.

Can you prepare for disasters? Yes!

Emergency preparedness involves making sure that resources are available to effectively respond to disasters. You and your family should take the following steps:

1) Consider your family's specific concerns. How reliant are you on community services and resources such as medical, utilities and transportation? What if these were not available to you?

2) Assess your home. What could go wrong in a crisis? What are your home hazards and poisons, prevention devices (i.e. smoke detectors, sprinklers etc.), escape routes, electronic equipment/appliances (in case of flooding), and utility shut off locations?

3) Assess your community. What types of disasters are likely? What natural and technological disasters could happen in your area?

The best protection in a disaster or emergency is knowing what to do and remaining calm while doing it. You and your family should identify the hazards in your home, prepare a survival kit and practice your plan.

TSBP Emergency Management Plan