Disasters seriously disrupt the functioning of society. This involves environmental resources, causing scarcity and mass destruction. Disaster can strike anytime and anywhere without warning. Being prepared is an essential safeguard for people's lives so that they are able to take appropriate action in the face of some type of impending disaster. Excerpt from the article “Multiple casualty events”. Are you ready? ” by Janice S. Smith, she discussed mass casualty disasters as well as nursing management during a disaster. According to Smith (2010), “On the front lines of the health system, nurses make up the largest portion of the health care workforce and are often seen as the first beneficiaries in the event of a disaster” (p. 1). Victims are a situation that strains the healthcare system and local resources, with overwhelming injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention and care. There are many types of mass casualty events, such as bioterrorism, chemical emergencies, radiological emergencies, and natural disasters (hurricane, earthquake, tsunamis, and tornadoes). As a nurse and member of a healthcare team, you have a professional responsibility, to the public and to yourself, to prepare for disasters. This means that you will need to understand and develop an effective disaster plan in order to take care of the victims of a mass casualty event and not worry about anything else when disaster strikes. Personal and family preparedness is essential to protect you and your family in the event of a disaster. the emergency event, before, during and after the event. Recommendations and guidelines for a comprehensive disaster plan include the disaster kit specific to each family's needs and practices. According to FEMA.org, "......middle of document......unctionalMenuCategories/MediaResources/PressReleases/2008PR/ANAIssuesPolicyPaperHealthCareProfessionalsWhoRespondtoEmergenciesDisastersorPandemics.pdfBrewer, K. (June 2010). American Nurses Association. Accessed December 27, 2013, from http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/WorkplaceSafety/Healthy-Work-Environment/DPR/Disaster-Preparedness.pdfFederal Emergency Management Agency. (nd). Retrieved December 27, 2013, from www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/7877Mass casualty event - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (July 10, 2013). Retrieved December 27, 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_casualty_eventVeenema, TG (2013). Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards (3rd ed.). New York: Springer Pub. Co. Smith, J.S. (April 2010). Mass casualty events Are you ready?