The USA has only one firefighter for every 280 people and one police officer for every 385 people. That means that in an emergency, most people “are going to be on their own for possibly 48 to 72 hours,” says David Paulison of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Your response to an emergency often determines the impact the situation will have on those around you. Knowing what to do saves lives. This easy-to-use guide is organized by event type and gives you the best course of action to take in each situation.

Because we live in uncertain times, this guide also includes information on how to survive homeland attacks and acts of domestic terrorism, including survival tactics in the event of chemical or biological contamination.

This pocket-size guide is a handy reference tool you will want to keep in your kitchen, medicine cabinet, 72 hour kit and car. While we hope this information is never needed, having it within reach will ensure you respond in ways that increase your safety and security.