It’s important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human caused disasters can strike suddenly, at any time and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference.
Get a Kit.
At a minimum, have enough of the basic supplies you need for at least 3 days. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.These supplies can include:
Water—one gallon per person, per day (3day supply for evacuation, 2week supply for home)
Food—nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (3day supply for evacuation, 2week supply for home)
Flashlight
Batterypowered or handcrank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Make a Plan.
Meet with your family or household members.
Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.
If a family member is in the military, plan how you would respond if they were deployed.
Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency.
Plan what to do if you have to evacuate.
Be Informed.
Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.
Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio stations or channels.
Know the difference between different weather alerts such as watches and warnings and what actions to take in each.
Know what actions to take to protect yourself during disasters that may occur in areas where you travel or have moved recently. For example, if you travel to a place where earthquakes are common and you are not familiar with them, make sure you know what to do to protect yourself should one occur.
When a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Loved ones may be hurt and emergency response is likely to be delayed. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This training is useful in many emergency situations.
Share what you have learned with your family, household and neighbors and encourage them to be informed.
