It is our responsibility to make sure we are prepared for the unexpected. Not the citie’s, not the state’s, not the government’s. They provide amazing services to help in the event of an emergency, and we should all be very grateful for the men and women that put their life on the line to serve and protect, but when it comes down to it the minutes before emergency services arrive could mean the life and death of a friend or loved one. Good news is that it doesn’t take much to be prepared; try certified online training in CPR or first aid, and making sure you have the proper first aid tools nearby.

Here’s an excerpt from Disaster Prep 101 by Paul Purcell on the “Disaster Dozen” myths, the top twelve myths of disaster preparedness: