This year, FEMA encourages the public to “Resolve to be Ready” for potential emergencies by committing to make preparedness a year-round family activity.

By taking a few simple steps to prepare in advance, you can minimize the impact an emergency could have on your family and neighborhood.

For more information on this new campaign, visit www.Ready.gov.

Residents can also get a head start on disaster preparations with FEMA’s “Are You Ready?” guide. This interactive course provides information on specific hazards, including steps to be proactive in response to them.

Here at home on Maui, the American Red Cross is recruiting disaster services volunteers. Training is provided free of charge.

The first step for all new disaster volunteers is to take a series of basic disaster classes. New volunteer candidates must register for and attend the entire series.

The schedule is: “Disaster Services: An Overview” on Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., “Shelter Fundamentals” on Jan. 25 from 8 to 11 a.m., “Disaster Assessment Basics” on Jan. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and “Disaster Action Team: An Orientation” on Jan. 25 from 2 to 5 p.m.

All sessions will be held at the Maui Red Cross Office at 45 North Market St., Suite A, in Wailuku.

For information, visit www.redcross.org/hawaii (click on Volunteer on the left side of the page, then Becoming a volunteer, then Apply now). For information, call 244-0051.