The basic needs of people in the United States are routinely taken for granted. Many people live paycheck to paycheck and do not give due consideration to the rainy day or the possibility of a tragic event in their lives. This relaxed attitude creates a situation that can become the perfect storm. A lost job and no savings; a power outage and no backup electricity; a hurricane without an evacuation plan, these varying circumstances could affect any American at any time, so what are you to do? With the right information and a little preplanning, followed by a minimum amount of effort, every home in America can be ready for the unforeseen emergency that is about to happen in their life. These basic preparations are essential for everyone. Are you prepared?

Turn on the evening news on any given day and you are highly likely to see a report about a disaster occurring somewhere in the country. Who can forget the scenes of locals and volunteers from all over the nation filling sand bags along the flood waters of the Red River in North Dakota, or the miles and miles of backed up traffic leaving New Orleans, Louisiana in the days before hurricane Katrina rumbled into town? Where were you on September 11, 2001?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded to 59 declared disasters in 2009, 81 in 2010, and 99 in 2011. These disasters occurred all over the United States and included ice storms, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes. Listed at FEMA.gov.

Whether you are an individual, family, or business, planning for an emergency is always a good idea. At 72 Hour Plan we are dedicated to helping you plan, prepare, and prevail in the inevitable occurrence of an emergency. It's not a question of IF you will ever be involved in an emergency situation, it's just a question of when will it happen?, and will you be ready?

Flooding aproaches HWY61 near Vicksburg MS

America needs your help! Often we place lists of relief organizations here on the front page to allow our readers easy access when you want to help with relief efforts around the world. Recenlty the United States of America has been hard hit with tornadoes, drought, flooding and other natural events. The USA is often first to provide assistance throughout the world, and our nations various relief agencies are known for their rapid response and huge hearts. This front page post lists some of the ways you can help citizens of the USA.

While 72hourplan.com is not a direct relief organization, we do recognize several national and international programs. The following is a partial list of organizations who are legitimate and will direct your support to the proper channels and needs in the United States. Please be aware of potential scam organizations and conduct your due diligence prior to donating to any charity.

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

AmeriCares: http://www.americares.org/wherewework/united-states/responding-to-disasters.html

LDS Emergency Response: http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/emergency-response.html

Convoy of Hope: http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/how

While 72hourplan.com is not a direct relief organization, we do recognize several national and international programs. The following is a partial list of organizations who are legitimate and will direct your support to the proper channels and needs in Japan. Please be aware of potential scam organizations and conduct your due diligence prior to donating to any charity.

AmeriCares: http://www.americares.org/newsroom/news/americares-japan-needs-of-tsunami-survivors.html

LDS Emergency Response: http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/funds/emergency-response.html

Convoy of Hope: http://www.convoyofhope.org/

International Response Fund of the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

Mercy Corps:http://www.mercycorps.org/

UNICEF:http://www.unicefusa.org/news/news-from-the-field/unicef-japan-tsunami.html