Disaster Preparedness

ASIS Disaster Preparation Guide

View an excerpt from the Emergency Planning Handbook, 2nd Edition.

February 11, 2003

Top federal officials have issued their most explicit advice since Sept. 11, 2001, on precautions the public should take against terrorist attacks. For example:

• Every home should be stocked with water for three days (at least one gallon per person per day) and food in case of a strike with chemical, biological or radiological weapons.
• Families should designate a room where they will gather in the event of such an attack, and have on hand duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting to seal it, as well as scissors, a manual can opener, blankets, flashlights, radios, and spare batteries.
• Employees should prepare similar portable emergency kits and keep these kits in their work areas.

Download an accessible version of FEMA's guide to disaster preparedness (Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness). Also see Disaster Supply Kits and a shorter Checklist derived from the same document.

Additional resources:

Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected and Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable (American Red Cross)
Also see American Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations for

• Businesses
• Individuals
• Families
• Neighborhoods
• Schools

Emergency Responder Guidelines - U. S. Department of Justice

United for a Stronger America: Citizen's Preparedness Guide (Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice)

Terrorism Response Resources (ASIS International)