Mission:
To serve as a clearinghouse of up-to-date information to help families prepare for natural and human-caused disasters.

Background:
Prepare.org is a Web site presented by the American Red Cross and other community-based organizations to serve vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children, people with disabilities, and animal and pet owners. Maintained by the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter in San Francisco, the site features material from the American Red Cross, other community organizations, and local and national government.

Outstanding Web Features:
The Prepare.org site features a wealth of information. The seniors section includes tips to prepare for an earthquake and how to recognize and deal with heat stress. For people with disabilities there is information about sign language for emergency situations and tips about people living with cognitive, communicative, or psychiatric disabilities, and environmental or chemical sensitivities, among other conditions. The children and schools page outlines a family disaster plan and offers tips to help children cope with disasters or terrorism, and to prevent fires in the home. For animal and pet owners, the site includes information about first aid for animals and ways to protect and rescue pets. Prepare.org also features a glossary and references and information about basic preparedness.