Preparing for an Emergency

You never know when a natural or manmade disaster may strike, but you can be prepared in the event of an emergency. With more intense weather events occurring, it's good to have a plan to coordinate with your family. Being prepared may not prevent a disaster, but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge.

Have you watched the news and thought you need to have an emergency plan, but you weren't sure where to start. With increasing severe weather events, having a plan to keep yourself and your family safe is a great goal. Here are a few steps to get started.

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

•    How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
•    What is my shelter plan?
•    What is my evacuation route?
•    What is my family/household communication plan?
•    Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

•    Different ages of members within your household
•    Responsibilities for assisting others
•    Locations frequented
•    Dietary needs
•    Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
•    Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
•    Languages spoken
•    Cultural and religious considerations
•    Pets or service animals
•    Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Create a Family Emergency Plan

Make a Family Emergency Plan quickly and easily with this fillable form.

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

If preparing for an emergency seems overwhelming, you can try implementing one preparedness task each month:

1.  Sign up for alerts and warnings
2.  Make a plan
3.  Save for a rainy day
4.  Practice emergency drills
5.  Test family communication plan
6.  Safeguard documents
7.  Plan with neighbors
8.  Make your home safer
9.  Know your evacuation routes
10. Assemble or update supplies
11. Get involved in your community
12. Document and insure property

For more resources, you can visit the Red Cross or ready.gov.