I know there is a movement to make information available through the internet and by cell phone but it is important to remember that in an emergency the power is usually off that is why it is so important to have the information on paper.

My proposal is a standardized handbook issued by the states in cooperation with the federal government containing information on how to prepare for an emergency and what to do when the emergency strikes.

The first part of the book would be developed by the federal government and would contain information needed to prepare for any emergency such as:

• What to have in an emergency kit
• Things you might not keep in the kit but should not be forgotten if you have to evacuate such as prescriptions and ID
• Phone numbers for federal emergency services
• What you need to evacuate your pets (such as a kennel for travel)
• Information on how to perform first aid

The rest of the book would be prepared in cooperation by state and local authorities and would contain information specific to the state and community where you live:

• Phone numbers for state and local organizations
• Evacuation routes for your community
• Maps of your state and local area
• Locations of emergency shelters
• Information specific to natural disasters in your area (hurricanes in Louisiana, earthquakes in California)

The books would also make it clear that it is each citizens responsibility to do their share during an emergency and would list things they can do to help:

• In case of a blizzard help with snow removal especially on sidewalks and around fire hydrants
• In danger of a flood where to report to help with sandbags
• Check on your neighbors especially the elderly, disabled and those with young children

Books would be issued by each state but would all use the same format.

Books will be in three ring binders so that if there is an update only the pages that were updated will have to be swapped instead of the whole book, saving money and trees. 

Books will be available in public places such as libraries and post offices but citizens will be encouraged to download the book from the internet for themselves and for people who are not computer literate to save the tax payers money.