Disasters having happened recently all around the world, including here in the United States, have shown the importance of preparing communities to face all types of emergencies. The Emergency Preparedness Week, happening from may 3rd to may 9th, have the objective of supporting Americans in participating more actively to emergency preparation activities. As a member of your community, you can participate to emergency preparations in following ways :

• Talk to your friends, family and coworkers about preparation for emergencies. Build plans that you will need to ensure you are ready.
• Propose help to your neighbors and coworkers to prepare themselves or consider becoming a volunteer for a local organization for emergency management.
• Lead activities in your community. Inform others about the importance of preparing for emergency situations and support groups in coordinating their efforts.
• Make an inventory of the emergency management organizations in your community. Ask them what they need and how you can help them.

Remember that an emergency can occur anywhere, anytime. Experience has shown us that individual preparation makes all the difference and help communities resists more easily during and after an important disaster.