“As military veterans we understand the value of readiness,” said Marty Conatser, National Commander of The American Legion. “As a country at war, it just makes good sense for every family to have a disaster plan and readiness kit with three days of food and supplies to survive potential natural disasters or terrorist caused catastrophic events.”

“We cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared for all types of emergencies, from natural disasters to terrorist attacks,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Having a plan can make all the difference, as the recent flooding and ice storms across the country have shown. The time for individuals, families and businesses to plan is now, and to resolve to make readiness a priority for 2008.”

With more than 14,000 American Legion Posts across the Country, Legionnaires are encouraged to plan and conduct activities and events in September (Every Year) to highlight the inportance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement, such as first aid trainings, town hall meetings and much more. Posts may broaden their Community service outreach by getting involved with their local Citizen Corps Councils and by participating in Citizen Corps initiatives and programs.

American Legion Posts are encouraged to distribute emergency preparedness information that promotes emergency preparedness and this publication. American Legion Posts should order from Homeland Security each of their brochures and handbooks for distribution in and around thier area and should make available at their Post for pickup and / or download a copy of these brochures, checklists, booklets for Families, Businesses and for training aids to teach children on thier web sites.

Individuals interested in more information about family and business preparedness are encouraged to get this publication. For more tips on emergency preparedness and disaster relief please visit www.ready.gov . 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has made files for the Ready Campaign's publications available to the public to download at no cost. As a result, organizations can reproduce these materials and help expand the reach of this critical information. If you wish to place your organization's logo or mailing information on the publication, please download the customizable brochure back cover.

The below information is provided to all Veterans and Citizens of this Great Nation and has been prepared by FEMA and The Department of Homeland Security:

Individual & Family Publications