Personal Preparedness

Be Aware & Prepare

One thing that we all can do to prepare for disasters is to make a plan, build a kit with essential items, and stay informed. We know that people who prepare before an emergency happens are able to keep their families safe and recover more quickly when disasters do occur.

​Emergencies can happen anywhere at anytime. You should be aware of the risks and what you can do to best care for yourself, your family and your community.

  • Be informed. Pay attention to the local and national news.
  • Follow advice from government officials, emergency warnings, and health officials
  • Ensure you are prepared to take care of yourself or your family for up to 72 hours
  • Get involved. Help your community prepare by reaching out to neighbors to create a community emergency plan
  • Go to Ready.gov for more details on how you or your family can stay prepared

More Preparedness Info at Ready.gov

Have a Family Plan

 Talk with your family and relatives about creating an emergency plan.

  • Create and practice home evacuation plans in case of fire or intruder
  • Create and practice medical emergencies
  • Have an extra supply of food and water (minimum 3 days worth for everyone)

Build a Kit

Ensure you have your own emergency kit tailored to wherever you are. Understand your limitations, schedule, and nearby resources. An emergency kit can come in various sizes to have with you at all times, in your vehicle, at home, in your office or to grab before you go on a trip. 

  • Pack the necessities of food, water, and shelter
  • Tools specific to the season (collapsible shovel, jumper cables, seat-belt cutter, etc.)
  • Extra cold weather gear during the winter
  • Build a kit at Ready.gov

Individuals

​Ensure you have your own emergency plan no matter where you are. Understand your surroundings and pack everyday carry items. Also, having an emergency kit in your vehicle can be a great way to stay prepared. 

  • Create and practice home evacuation plans in case of fire or intruder
  • Create and practice medical emergencies
  • Have an extra supply of food and water (minimum 3 days worth for everyone)​

Individuals with Disabilities or Functional Needs

​Follow the same basic fundamentals of preparedness for individuals, however, each person is different and everyone needs to plan for what they need. Take special considerations for disabilities, medical conditions, and functional needs to ensure your plan covers what you need.  

  • Spare hearing aid batteries
  • Spare power wheelchair battery or charger
  • Communication card telling others how to communicate with you and what you may need
  • Spare medications (talk with your doctor to accommodate)
  • Multiple communication tools and backup personal care aids to contact if needed
  • Backup medical devices such as an oxygen tank, suction unit, extendable white cane, etc. 

Kids​

Talk with your children to get them involved in creating an emergency plan. Help them to understand the value of being aware and look for ways to make being prepared into a game.

At School

​Talk with the school staff and management to understand the school emergency plans. Be an advocate to have them improved. 

  • Have extra medication (if applicable) stored with the school nurse
  • Have a phone list of your emergency contacts
  • Have an extra charger for your phone or medical devices

At Work

 Talk with your coworkers and management to understand the company emergency plans. Be an advocate to have them improved. 

  • Have an extra supply of food and water
  • Have extra medication (if applicable)
  • Have a phone list of your emergency contacts
  • Have an extra charger for your phone or medical devices

More Preparedness Info at Ready.gov

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