Emergency Preparedness Tips

Jan 10, 2025

Preparedness Tips

  • Get prepared by having an emergency supply kit already stored.
    • Make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
    • Include cash in your emergency supply kit. During an extended power outage, ATMs and credit card machines may not work.
    • As part of your family’s emergency supply kit, include games and toys to keep children entertained.
    • More information at www.ready.gov/kit
  • Check-in with neighbors to see how you can help each other out before and after a storm or if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
  • Pick an out-of-town person for everyone to contact during an emergency.
  • Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as having a conversation over dinner. Make a plan tonight. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans!
  • Snap pictures of your property and make an inventory for insurance purposes.
  • 30: The number of days it takes for flood insurance to begin. The time to buy is when it’s dry.
  • If you rely on public transportation, contact your local emergency management agency about evacuation procedures before a hurricane.
  • Prepare your car for winter: keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Learn how to shut off the utilities where you live, including water, electricity, and gas.
  • Take a first aid and CPR class. www.ready.gov/safety-skills
  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. www.ready.gov/evacuation
  • Assemble supplies for a “go-bag” you can carry if you need to evacuate. www.ready.gov/evacuation  #
  • Make a portable emergency kit for your car. www.ready.gov/car
  • Save. Save. Save. Your emergency savings can help you get life saving items like food, shelter, and water in an emergency. Saving tips: www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness #FinancialFuture

Planning with Pets

  • Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
  • Search online today for local pet-friendly evacuation locations in case you need to evacuate.
  • Update your pet’s microchip registration info so you can be contacted if your pet gets lost in a disaster.
  • Put your name and contact information on your pet’s ID tag in case you’re separated in an emergency.
  • More information at www.ready.gov/pets