I think one great method for preparing our communities before a disaster strikes is to notify them of the imminent danger, and how it might affect them. Many prepared people might have a weather radio, read/watch/listen to the news, or will hear from a friend. Most people, however, are struggling with their jobs or trying to make ends meet and simply don't have time to keep track of what's going on.

For these people attached-at-the-hip to their Blackberries, there should be a system in each county that alerts them to danger, what they should do/where they should go, and how it might affect them. A person working in a corporate office can easily get in their cars and go get their children from their friend's house if they KNOW IN ADVANCE that a blizzard is coming. They'll know to get enough food and supplies to last the length of the storm. They'll know what work to bring home so the storm won't affect their jobs (too much). The government and public safety officials can maintain the system to make sure it's used appropriately and effectively.

I think a good way to promote this would be to spread flyers throughout the area and maybe to have a family weekend event with food, activities, and a speaker to talk about preparedness. It'd be a way for a family to get some quality time, a cheap (or free) meal, and to learn about preparedness and this notification system.