The New Year is a perfect time to Resolve to be Ready and Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) is proud to be promoting emergency preparedness for 2012.

Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage individuals, families, and businesses to take action and prepare for emergencies throughout the New Year.

The Ready Campaign would like to encourage making an emergency preparedness resolution by taking three important steps: Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area.

• Make a family emergency plan, so you know who you would communicate with and find your loved ones if a disaster hit.
• Build an emergency supply kit - both at home and in the car - that includes water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or get stranded in your car.
• Get Involved - Find out how you can promote preparedness on our island.

"Being prepared before a disaster strikes is key. My hope in 2012 is that our island people become more self reliant because too often I've seen people fall victims of a disaster solely because they weren't prepared. In 2012 let us all share the responsibility in keeping our island and it's people safe," says Administrator Charles H. Ada.

Emergencies can range from inconvenience to devastation, but you can resolve not to be a victim of an emergency or disaster and take steps to minimize the impact on you, your family and your businesses. More information is available at Ready.gov. The Website includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to be informed, develop a family emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and get involved.