The District of Columbia launched a Web site Monday to help residents create their own emergency plans and prepare for the worst, from thunderstorms to a nuclear terrorist attack.

The Web site, 72hours.dc.gov, emphasizes the first three days following the initial disaster, a period when residents will generally be on their own, Mayor Adrian Fenty said. Emergency guides will also be sent to all residents, Fenty said.

“You can never know what’s going to happen, but you can always be prepared,” Fenty said.

The site urges residents to take four steps: Get informed, make a plan, make an emergency kit and be aware.

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In an emergency, alerts will be sent to e-mail addresses of registered residents, said Darrell Darnell, director of D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Users can access information about preparedness, suspicious activities and police, fire and health care facilities.

The site offers evacuation plans for each of the city’s eight wards so residents can determine the best route out of the city. The Web site also provides instructions for children, pets, senior citizens and disabled people.

The Web site is part of a campaign to instruct students on emergency preparedness.

A new guide for children, “Be Ready! An Emergency Guide for Kids,” will be distributed through D.C. schools.

The campaign is expected to cost about $750,000, officials said.