Everyone should have a plan. The likelihood of you and your family surviving a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergencies.

We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.

This homeland security emergency preparedness guide highlights the importance of preparedness for terrorism. homeland security emergency preparednessTerrorists are working to obtain biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons, and the threat of an attack is very real.

All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack, natural disaster or other emergency. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.

Some of the things you can do to prepare for a terrorist attack, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency.

However, as you will read below, there are important differences among potential terrorist threats that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.

This Homeland Security emergency preparedness guide also provides instructions on how you can prepare yourself and your family for natural disasters. This guide truly is the most complete guide that can help you get ready now.

Topics Covered

  • Emergency Supplies
    • Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit
  • Emergency Planning
  • Specific Terrorist Threats
    • Biological Threat
    • Chemical Threat
    • Nuclear Blast
    • Radiation Threat or “Dirty Bomb”
  • Natural Disasters
  • Get Involved... Join Citizen Corps Today
  • Family Communications Plan