I totally agree with miniMe. Becoming involved with your local emergency response group(s) gives you a much better understanding of the difficulties of dealing with an unprepared mass of "victims", provides a degree of respect and authority for you and allows you to assist rather than be one who needs assisting. <br><br>I am involved in my local ACS (Auxillary Communication Service, an ARES/RACES group). We meet weekly on a radio communication net, and have group meetings to preplan emergency service responsibilities. Diverse membership and ideas greatly contribute to the plans. Training and simulations help in the event of a real emergency.<br><br>I have signed up for CERT training this fall. This consists of 8, 3 hour training sessions on topics including Disaster Prepardness, Disaster Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Operations and Triage, Search and Rescue, Team Organization, and a Disaster Similation.<br><br>Being involved is probably the best way to assure your own safety, make your own prepardness planning realistic within the context of your community, and contribute in a positive way to your community. <br><br>Sometimes Bugging Out may be the best plan, but most of the time Bugging In to help may be a better solution. <br>