Experts Use National Public Health Week To Encourage Americans To Prepare For Emergency

April 2-8 is National Public Health Week and this year, public health agencies across the country are encouraging people to Take the First Step in preparing for emergencies that may occur in their communities. Whether you live in an area prone to severe weather like hurricanes or tornadoes, or in a major city that may be vulnerable to man-made disasters or terrorist attacks, preparing yourself and your family for an emergency just makes sense. Despite growing threats and a host of awareness campaigns, Americans remain largely unprepared for emergencies. A February 2007 survey conducted by the American Public Health Association noted that only 27 percent of the public has a three-day supply of water, food, and medicine and a reliable first aid kit.