Emergency Preparedness: A Handbook for Families.

Most common emergencies can be prevented through careful application of knowledge. Some emergencies faced by general populations cannot be prevented, but careful preparation can markedly reduce their destructive impacts. This manual is designed to provide knowledge to the general population of the United States which may be used to plan and prepare for emergencies of many kinds. This handbook provides an overview of the types of common and relatively uncommon emergencies that have been, or might be, faced by the general population of the United States. it also provides information regarding effective emergency planning for families and households, and ties in that planning to those civil organizations most likely to be involved in those emergencies. Families and households are instructed about kinds of decisions and actions which will be taken by governments, and given the information for making decisions of their own which will be complemented by governmental programs. The general thrust of the manual is to provide citizens with the knowledge to become so self-sufficient that they can not only help themselves but help others in greater need during emergencies, including providing volunteer help to local governments so as to make programs which might have to be utilized in general emergencies work well. Author