Every year, millions of people around the world lose their lives or have them seriously disrupted because of floods, tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes, blizzards, hurricanes and so on. In today's troubled world, we face even greater threats from terrorism, civil unrest, explosions and the possibility of chemical, biological or even nuclear attack. We all have a duty to our families, friends and loved ones to ensure that the places where we live, work, learn and play are secure and that the people using them are safe. The aim of this handbook is not to alarm you but to prepare and protect you. In the event of a disaster or terrorist incident, first responders may not be able to get to you for some time. Our goal is to give you the information you need so that you are aware of the various threats you face and how to recognize and respond to them. The handbook then spells out what you need to do to mitigate the effects and, in so doing, protect your family, friends and loved ones. This handbook is a tool that will help protect lives and ensure the continuation of our way of life, businesses, institutions and critical infrastructures in the event of a terrorist attack or other major emergency. As a result, it is a handbook that you cannot afford to be without.