Prepare & Take Action
Gather Information
Contacts
- County law enforcement
- County public safety fire/rescue
- Local American Red Cross
- Local Emergency Management Office
- Local hospitals
- Local radio stations
- Local TV stations
- Local utilities
- State, county and city/town government
- Your property insurance agent
Risk Analysis
Online hazard and vulnerability assessment tools are available to gather information about your risks.
Plan & Take Action
Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? You may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas, electricity or phone services are shut off?
Supplies Kit
The essentials:
- Battery operated radio
- Extra batteries
- Solar powered lighting
Water
You will need:
- 3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container
- Additional water for sanitation
Food
You will need a minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water.
- Canned fruits
- Canned juice
- Canned vegetables
- Dry cereal
- Graham crackers
- Peanut butter
- Quick energy snacks
- Ready-to-eat canned meats
- Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)
First Aid Kit
Create 1 first aid kit for your home and 1 for each car, including:
Non-Prescription Drugs
Tools & Supplies
Create 1 for your home and 1 for each car:
Sanitation
Clothing & Bedding
For Baby
For Pets
Important Family Documents
Family Medical Needs
Entertainment
Emergency Plans
- Develop and document plans for your specific risks.
- Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan
- Be sure to plan for locations away from your home
- Business owners and site locations should create a workplace plan
- Make sure your children’s schools and daycares have their own emergency plans
- Pet owners should have plans to care for your animals when you’re away
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer information on animal health impacts in evacuation shelters
- Prepare your boat and be aware of basic marine safety if you are on or near the water
Health & Environment
- Tornadoes are often spawned by hurricanes.
- The calm “eye” of the storm – it may seem like the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.