If a serious disaster were to take place, many circumstances would change as a result. By readying for the possibility of these changes, citizens can achieve disaster preparedness - an understanding of disasters and a plan of action that is prepared in advance to manage a disaster if it were to take place. On an individual basis, citizens in any area can first begin to prepare by becoming aware of the risks of a disaster and how to foresee a disaster in its early stages. Financially, assets can also be protected by purchasing certain type s of insurance or allocating savings for disasters. Beyond creating a plan for a disaster, citizens in the United States can also take advantage of the resources offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA, a federal government agency, plans for disasters in advance and may be able to administer assistance, even in the form of finances, after you have been involved in a significant disaster. When a state is determined a disaster area and FEMA and other agencies disburse federal help, citizens should be aware that they are to be provided for fairly, without discrimination.