Emergency preparedness is crucial to ensure safety before disaster strikes. Be ready for various emergencies, including severe weather, chemical spills, and active shooter situations. Create plans in advance for yourself, your family, your business, and your pets, and build and maintain an emergency supply kit.
BUILD A KIT OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
The first step is to consider how an emergency might affect your individual needs. Plan to make it on your own, for at least three days. It’s possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that you and your family think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if those resources are limited or not available.
Recommended basic emergency supplies include:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener if kit contains canned food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit with a Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place w Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities w Local maps
- Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet or service animal
Learn strategies to prepare for and response to emergency situations.