The average response time to fires plunged to four minutes and three seconds for the period from January to August,  down 13 seconds from the same time a year ago, and 26 seconds from that period in 2007, the FDNY said.

“Disaster can strike any time, anywhere.  By taking a few simple steps now, you can ensure that your family and your community are prepared before the next emergency arises,” said FEMA’s Acting Regional Administrator Doug Gore. “We urge everyone to take steps necessary to keep their family safe, which includes getting a kit, making a plan, being informed and getting involved.”

National Preparedness Month focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it means to “Be Ready.” National Preparedness Month coalition members have agreed to distribute emergency preparedness information and sponsor activities across the country that will promote emergency preparedness. Membership is open to all public and private sector organizations.

FEMA’s Citizen Corps is also an important partner in this campaign. Citizen Corps is FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve citizens in all-hazards emergency preparedness and resilience.

For more information on the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, please visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov.  Information also is available by phone at 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO.  For information on Citizen Corps please visit www.citizencorps.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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