Although not formally a part of emergency management operations, individuals and households play an important role in the overall emergency management strategy. Community members can contribute by: (1) Reducing hazards in and around their homes. By taking simple actions, such as raising utilities above flood level or taking in unanchored objects during high winds, people can reduce the amount of damage caused by an incident. (2) Preparing an emergency supply kit and household emergency plan. By developing a household emergency plan and assembling disaster supplies in advance of an event, people can take care of themselves until assistance arrives. This includes supplies for household pets and service animals. See the recommended disaster supplies list at http: //www.ready.gov. (3) Monitoring emergency communications carefully. Throughout an emergency, critical information and direction will be released to the public via various media. By carefully following the directions provided, residents can reduce their risk of injury, keep emergency routes open to response personnel, and reduce demands on landline and cellular communication. (4) Volunteering with an established organization. Organizations and agencies with a role in response and recovery are always seeking hardworking, dedicated volunteers. By volunteering with an established voluntary agency, individuals and households become part of the emergency management system and ensure that their efforts are directed where they are needed most. (5) Enrolling in emergency response training courses. Emergency response training, whether basic first aid through the American Red Cross or a more complex course through a local college, will enable residents to take initial response actions required to take care of themselves and their households, thus allowing first responders to focus on higher priority tasks that affect the entire community. (DHS, NRF, Chapter I: Roles and Responsibilities, Jan 2008, pp. 17-18)