During the critical hours following a disaster, you may need to provide your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity (for you, your family, and pets) to last for up to three days.
Local professional responders will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately.
You may get help immediately, it may be hours, or even days. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.