Considering an early start to the wildfire season, the recent series of tornadoes, and the imminent arrival of the hurricane season, "Getting Ready for Disaster - One Family's Experience" is a just-in-time DVD for the public and public safety sector. Preparation of the DVD was funded by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) using a donation from British Petroleum.

Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) begins at home for public safety personnel as well as citizens. For first responders, leaving their family members to perform emergency duties will be less worrisome when they know their families and homes are as protected as possible. The USFA suggests that this kind of personal preparedness can enhance organizational preparedness, while simultaneously bolstering CIP efforts.

The DVD's seven segments guide viewers through important steps of disaster preparedness and bring into focus such issues as drafting a family disaster plan, stockpiling food and water, helping children cope with disasters, preparing for special populations, and getting involved in the Citizen Corps. The content is based on the most reliable hazard awareness and emergency education information, such as the latest scientific knowledge and physical research on what happens in disasters.

"Getting Ready for Disasters," available by calling 1-800-480-2520 and requesting "FEMA 500," is designed to be used with "Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness." It is one of many resources from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Preparedness Directorate. To acquire additional preparedness materials, visit http://www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.