A New Year’s resolution to be prepared for emergencies is simple – and could save lives

Kansas City, MO – With the holiday season upon us and 2011 fast approaching, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging all Americans to make emergency preparedness one of their New Year’s resolutions for the coming year.

Throughout the rest of December, FEMA Region VII will promote Resolve to be Ready in 2011, a nationwide effort to urge individuals, families, businesses and communities to focus on being ready and aware of all the hazards that exist in their communities.

“Emergencies can happen at anytime, anywhere,” said Beth Freeman, Administrator of FEMA Region VII in Kansas City, Missouri. “They can range from natural disasters such as flooding to events such as power outages. The key to successful emergency response, regardless of the nature of the event, is personal preparedness. During this holiday season, make a resolution to be prepared through a few simple steps: get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan and be informed of the hazards in your area.”

According to a study by researchers at the University of Scranton, Americans who make New Year’s resolutions are 11 times more likely to succeed in meeting a goal or tackling a problem than individuals that do not. Resolve to be Ready 2011 is one resolution anyone can keep thanks to the tools and resources available at www.ready.gov or the Spanish language site, www.listo.gov . These sites include important information such as how to put together a kit, make a plan and stay informed.

Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. Local events are happening all over the country to underscore the importance of getting people of all ages to make a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.

For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov.