Disasters are major events that can strike anywhere and at any time. In a disaster, traditional 9-1-1 and First Responder capabilities such as fire, police, medics, and utility personnel will be overwhelmed and unable to immediately assist individuals.
Preparing your neighborhood is vital. Neighbors will likely be the first ones to offer you assistance. Neighbors that are prepared are more effective in their response to a disaster and have an increased capacity to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a disaster.
Take action today. Begin by thinking about who you consider your neighbors to be. We suggest 15-20 households because the first hour of a disaster response is vital and you want the size of your neighborhood to be manageable. Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) provides excellent guidance on what to do next, as do many local programs.
| Remember: In a disaster, your most immediate source of help are the neighbors living around you. |
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