September is National Preparedness Month- “Be Prepared, Not Scared”

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area and how you’ll contact one another. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 3 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. What is my shelter plan?
2. What is my evacuation route?
3. What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider the specific needs of your household.

As you prepare your plan discuss your family’s specific needs and responsibilities and how you can work together to care for your children, pets, elderly relatives, or any specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Keep in mind some of the following factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including medical devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Fill out a family emergency plan.

SECOND BUILD A KIT

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives
• Glasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

1. Gather financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel, or food.
3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is required for you and your family for all possible hazards. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, or earthquake so speak to you agent about flood insurance & earthquake insurance.