'Resolve to Be Ready'

Every year, nearly half of Americans make New Year's resolutions. This year, as many of us resolve to eat less, exercise more and learn other languages, we should also commit to creating and rehearsing our own preparedness plans in the face of no-notice disasters -- we should resolve to be ready.

While 2010 was relatively quiet throughout Southeast Missouri, disasters have always been commonplace in the area. In March of 2008, more than a foot of rain pushed rivers to record levels forcing evacuations. In 2009, hundreds of thousands of people in the tri-state region went without lights and heat for days, even weeks. And 2010 marked the 85th anniversary of the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, which developed in nearby Reynolds County. During the past year, in FEMA Region VII -- comprised of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska -- there have been 11 federally declared disasters and countless other smaller events that disrupted lives.

Being ready for these types of events is comprised of three basic steps: creating a disaster kit, developing a plan and staying informed.

Do you have the necessary supplies on hand to support yourself and your family for three full days? How would you get a hold of your child if their school was on lockdown? Would you know how to shut off utilities if the New Madrid Seismic Zone trembled?

Why are questions like these so important? As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season, a glance at the people around the room or across the dinner table should answer that question. Their lives, and at a bare minimum their comfort, may depend on having the right answers.

Disaster preparedness isn't just the responsibility of FEMA. It's a responsibility that lies with individuals and families; neighborhoods and entire communities. In fact, the most effective response to any emergency is accomplished at the local level by individual citizens and families, local government, local businesses and faith-based and community organizations.

Unfortunately, despite years of intensive outreach, only half of Americans have emergency supplies set aside and an even smaller amount have developed a disaster plan. When disaster strikes, those of us who should have and could have been ready will be competing with our most vulnerable citizens for food, water and the critical resources of our first responders.

If you haven't taken the steps to be prepared for emergencies, visit ready.gov and take some time this holiday season and resolve to be ready.

This year has taught us that emergencies happen frequently and can strike at anytime and anywhere. Let's make 2011 the year we're all prepared.

Beth Freeman is the Administrator of FEMA Region VII. 'Resolve to Be Ready' tools are available at ready.gov.