Disaster Preparedness

Plan ahead so you're prepared when disaster strikes

Disaster preparedness is a topic that everyone should consider. No matter where people live, the potential for a natural or man-made disaster exists. In Disaster Preparedness, expert authors Rod Brouhard and Crystal Kline guide you through almost every possible scenario, so you and your family can be prepared. This practical, essential reference gives you the essentials including tips for producing and conserving drinkable water, generating emergency power, creating and maintaining emergency food supplies, and much more. Written without political or religious bias, Disaster Preparedness is a reference that every home can use before, during, and after disaster strikes.

Here's what you'll find inside:

Practical worksheets, checklists, and instructions for surviving almost any possible disaster scenario

Guidance for making a survival plan, evacuating for specific disasters, and making a preparedness kit, plus tips for storing and packing survival gear including food, health and hygiene necessities, first aid kits, and medicines

Advice on storing and managing essential documents, with tips on what to take and what not to take

Expert advice on securing your home in the event of a disaster, including protecting your property and belongings

First aid tips for dealing with many common first aid emergencies and injuries that can occur during disasters

Practical tips for picking up the pieces after disaster strikes
Rod Brouhard is a paramedic with over 20 years of experience responding to emergencies and saving lives, he's been a first responder in multiple natural disaster situations. He is the guide to First Aid on About.com and the author of Life's Little Emergencies: A Handbook for Active Independent Seniors and Caregivers. Currently he is working on a large, multicenter study with the American Heart Association to examine new ways to maintain competency in emergency cardiac care. Author hometown: Modesto, CA.

Crystal Kline is a state Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), federally certified Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP), and is HSEEP (Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program) certified. Almost fifteen years in the emergency management industry have given her a strong background in a variety of areas such as emergency preparedness, building public and private partnerships and development and facilitation of comprehensive response programs, and educating the public in business continuity planning and family preparedness. Crystal is a FEMA reservist and has been a responder in many major natural disasters including the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Author hometown: Tulsa, OK.