Disadvantages of electronic availability:

Having information readily available in one’s own home is the best way to plan and protect oneself before and during an emergency. Electronic methods are attractive, but are not as efficient as believed. While information may be available online, people are unlikely to search out disaster information until the disaster strikes. The disasters itself might knock out infrastructure, which may disrupt internet, radio, or television access. Additionally, portions of the public, like the elderly, may not be accustomed to using computers to retrieve information, or may not even have access to the Internet. Having hard copy data present in the household may sound antiquated, but it would allow the public to have general information like emergency phone-numbers or what kinds of items to have in an emergency response kit readily at hand. As well, information on disaster response could be included so that the public knows what is safe to do and how to react to most situations.  

Usability:

In order to make some sort of hard copy both attractive and useable, this proposal suggests using adhesive backed, lamented posters or even large stickers with large print type face. This would allow the public to paste disaster preparedness-response literature in places like medicine cabinets, hallway doors, or in the basement.  Information on disaster readiness or response would be easily and consistently available in the home. 

Dissemination of stickers/posters:

Dissemination of these stickers or posters could occur during the census, tax time, and elections. Doctors' offices or local schools could pass out these stickers during checkups or during the first week of school. This would allow the government access to a large majority of the public on multiple occasions, and allow the public to ask questions about disaster preparedness to government employees, public volunteers, or healthcare professionals.