Get Ready

 

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that   accompany disasters.  Communities, families and individuals should know what to   do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a tornado.  They   should be ready to evacuate their homes and take refuge in public shelters and   know how to care for their basic medical needs.       

Disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects, both to people and property. You should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days. 

This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.         

  • Get an Emergency Supply Kit
  • Water and nonperishable food
  • First-aid kit
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio with   extra batteries
  • Small hand tools, including a manual can   opener, flashlight with extra batteries, screwdriver, pliers, and a knife
  • Dust masks to help filter contaminated air
  • Personal sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes and garbage bags
  • Important personal and financial documents such as drivers licenses, passports, bank accounts, credit card account numbers, birth certificates, adoption papers, wills, powers of attorney, insurance policies, real estate documents, and vehicle titles
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Cash or traveler’s checks

 

Make a Plan

  • Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance.  How will you get back together?  How will you contact one another?
  • Make an evacuation plan
  • Designate meeting places, both within and outside your immediate neighborhood
  • Make a family communications plan
  • Have an out-of-town contact to communicate among separated family members
  • Be sure all family members have information in writing, and remember your pets

 

Be Informed

There are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them. 

 

Get Involved

Get involved with local organizations.  Be willing to volunteer and meet your neighbors. 

 

ARE YOU READY? (link towww.fema.gov/areyouready/)