While I think our government is too big and too wasteful, there are a few things that are worth using since we are paying (taxes) for it anyway.

I don't think you could or should rely on FEMA in an emergency, but they have kindly laid out what you might do to help yourself in the event of an emergency.  Here is the link, to the FEMA Planning website. 

I particularly like the following sections:

• Plan for Emergencies
• Assemble Supplies
• Are You Ready?

You certainly should give it the once over-- why suffer from a storm, flood, or God knows what if you don't have to?

Also, here my earlier related post on this topic, Are You Prepared For a Natural Disaster?