Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community.

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services -- water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to:

* Get a Kit

* Make a Plan

* Be Informed

Be Alert

Did you pull the battery out of your smoke alarm the last time you used your oven broiler? Take a minute to check it and reconnect it if you did. Or, swap out the battery with a new one, if you haven't replaced the battery within the last 12 months.