Guide to Preparedness
Guide to Preparedness
Three Steps to Preparedness
Get a Kit
- Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
- Three-day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned foods
- Manual can opener
- Sanitation and hygiene items
- A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- A first aid kit and prescription medications
- An extra pair of glasses
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
- Credit cards and cash
- A list of family physicians
- Pet supplies
- Map of the local area
- Photocopies of personal documents/identification
- Matches
- Whistle
Make a Plan
- Arrange for someone to check on you at the time of a disaster.
- Assess yourself and your household. Identify the personal abilities and limitations that may affect your response to a disaster.
- Know the safe places in your home in case you need to shelter during extreme weather events.
- Post emergency phone numbers near your phone.
- Keep support items like wheelchairs and walkers in a designated place.
- Ask about the emergency plans and procedures that exist in your community.
- Plan the best and quickest escape routes out of your home and evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
- If you receive home care, check with your case manager to see what their plan is in times of emergency.
- If you live in a senior community, become familiar with any disaster notification plans that may already exist.
- Plan for your pets or service animals.
Be Informed
- Find out which disaster could occur in your area.
- Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
- Utilize emergency notification systems:
- NOAA All Hazards weather radio
- Local Emergency Alert system WBAP 820 AM)
- TV Broadcasts
- Outdoor warning Systems
- Reverse Emergency Telephone Notification
- Highway messaging
- Local Volunteer Fire Departments
- Door-to-Door Warnings from Local Emergency Officials