Emergency preparedness is just that: it's the steps you take to ensure you are safe before, during, and after an emergency or natural disaster. When you're in the middle of a crisis, there is no time to plan an adequate response; planning in advance is the best protection. These plans are important for your safety in both natural (floods, heat waves, strong winds, earthquakes, etc.) and man-made disasters (explosions, fires, chemical and biological attacks, etc.).

Individuals with disabilities may be especially vulnerable during and after emergencies, making it that much more important to plan early and be prepared.