Publisher's Synopsis
In 2012, the Nation experienced wildfires in Colorado, tropical storms affecting Florida and the Gulf Coast, earthquakes in California and Alaska, and Hurricane Sandy devastating the East Coast. These disasters highlight the risks facing all Americans and underscore the importance of emergency preparedness for all citizens, regardless of geographic location or sociodemographic status. It is important that citizens recognize their risks and understand the proper actions to take during a disaster. Citizens must also understand that taking advance actions can improve their ability to successfully navigate the immediate disaster and lessen many of the personal impacts left in the wake of disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other organizations have sponsored disaster preparedness campaigns to provide the American public with the information they need to get prepared. The need for such campaigns was underscored in Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness (PPD-8). Signed by President Barack Obama on March 30, 2011, PPD-8 authorizes the Federal Government, and specifically directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
