Family & Personal Preparedness

Get a Kit: Could you and your family survive after a major disaster without access to transportation, or major utilities? What will you eat and drink, and what will you use for light? Do you have enough essential medications, baby formula, and other special-needs items to last at least three days? Is your first-aid kit replenished?

Make a plan: Do you and your family members all know how to escape if your home catches fire, or where to go if a tornado is threatening your area? How will you communicate and where will your family reunite if you are separated during an emergency? What you will do if your child’s school or daycare facility closes? If you must evacuate during a flash flood or other disaster, do you know the best routes?

Be Informed: Is your home or office located in a flood plain or are you downstream from a major dam? Will you know if a severe thunderstorm is headed your way in the middle of the night? What is the difference between a tornado WATCH and a WARNING? Do you know which neighbors with small children, or other special needs family members, might need help during a natural or man-made disaster?

Get Involved: Once you and your family are prepared for emergency situations, go out and teach someone about preparedness. Business and school officials should incorporate emergency plans into employee handbooks and standard curriculums. Families should have preparedness meetings and form networks.

Learn more about year-round preparedness.