It is based on the belief that a cooperative effort between a City and its citizens is the only sure way to prepare for major disasters.
Major disasters stretch city resources to their limits.
It is estimated that regular emergency services will be unable to respond to most calls during the first 72 hours following a major disaster, such as a severe earthquake. The number of people who will be needing help, and the inaccessibility of many neighborhoods due to damage and debris will prevent immediate aid. If individuals and their neighborhoods are prepared to mutually assist each other during these critical hours, lives can be saved, property can be spared, and emergency services can be freed to respond to the most devastated areas. A city whose population is prepared at homes will see significant reduction in the need for police, fire, and ambulance support. Virtually every major disaster proves that police, fire, and other emergency support agencies are not available to many people during the first 72 hours of a disaster.