Special to The Post-Searchlight

As 2011 — one of the most active years for disasters in recent history — comes to a close and Americans enjoy ringing in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging people to Resolve to be Ready in the new year by making a resolution to be prepared for emergencies.

More than 20 disaster declarations covered much of the southeast U.S. in 2011. Hurricane Irene stuck North Carolina, and a “Super Outbreak” of tornadoes hit Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. The region also experienced severe storms, record flooding and wildfires.

All of these events have served as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

FEMA has launched its annual campaign, “Resolve to be Ready in 2012,” which urges Americans to make preparedness a priority during the holiday season by making a new year’s resolution to be ready for disasters.

“One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May. “Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, Americans can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

“Resolve to be Ready in 2012” is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visit ready.gov and citizencorps.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #ready2012 and #resolve.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.