USA: Red Cross, FEMA and Verizon stress the importance of disaster preparedness

"Disasters can strike quickly and without warning, so it's vital to always be prepared," said Mathieu Nelessen, regional CEO, American Red Cross North Jersey Region at a news conference that marked the end of the National Preparedness Month, reports PRNewswire. "If you haven't done so already, now is the time to assess local disaster risks and make or update your family disaster plan," he added. American Red Cross is offering phone apps that warn residents ahead of snow storms, hurricanes and earthquakes.

"Preparedness is important to all stakeholders and members of our national emergency management team; this concern goes all the way to the highest level of our government," said David Musick, director, National Preparedness Division, FEMA Region II.