Los Angeles County officials have organized a new disaster preparedness guide to help residents prepare for emergencies and major disasters. The Emergency Survival Guide has 100 pages of advice and information to help residents prepare for fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemic flu, terrorism, extreme weather, and tsunamis.

Practical explanations, worksheets, checklists along with color graphics and photos guide the reader through the common sense things to do to get ready for a crisis. It was created by the Office of Emergency Management and the county's Board of Supervisors.

"It's important for people to know how to be prepared, because preparedness is the key to survival," said Ken Kondo, public information officer for the county Office of Emergency Management. "The goal is to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes."

The guide provides emergency and escape plans, contact information strategies and diagrams. It also offers tips on how residents can be self-sufficient after a disaster, since they could be forced to take care of themselves during an emergency.

According to the guide, it is possible; even likely, that some areas may not get professional assistance for days after a disaster has occurred.

Click for PDF of the guide