Emergency Preparedness

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Hazards in Our Area  |  Build a Kit  |  Emergency Supply List  |  Pets  |  Special Considerations  |  Kit Storage Locations  |  Make a Plan

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Hazards in Our Area

• Winter storms

• Heat

• Hurricanes

• Tornadoes

• Lightning

• Power outages

• Flooding

• Fires

• Pandemic

 

Build a Kit

 

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Emergency Supply List

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• Basic Kit: a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Whistle (to signal for help)

  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

  • 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

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• Pets

  • Pet food and extra water for your pet

  • Extra blankets 

  • Any medications needed for your pet

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• Special Considerations

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

    • Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

    • Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.

    • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

    • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

    • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

    • Cash or traveler's checks

    • 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

    • 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

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Kit Storage Locations

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Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

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Make a Plan

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• Communications plan [Family Communications Plan]

• Evacuation plan

• Shelter plan