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Preparedness Tools


Plan! Prepare! Pass It On!

Knowledge is not enough to protect you, your family, and your home.  Don't wait until the disaster is threatening, it is too late by then.  Creating a Family Emergency Plan does not have to be an overwhelming or time-consuming task. Download the Family Emergency Plan (link at top of the page), identify your risks and create a plan that is specific to your family. 

Sit down with your family and talk through your plan.  Be sure all family members know who to call, or where to gather if you become separated.  Let your family outside of the area know the basics of your plan and how they will receive updates from you. If you have special medical needs that require some assistance, or if you need transportation assistance, register with the special needs program:  Special Needs Program. 


Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

Having a basic supply kit ready in the event of a disaster is very important.  Suitcases with wheels make great Emergency Supply Kit containers and check the contents of your kit a few times a year to replace expired items.  Keep costs down by picking up one or two items every time you go shopping.  Start your kit by reviewing the example list below, or download a more detailed list (link at the top of the page):

  • Food Service Needs
    • food, water, utensils, cooking apparatus, etc.
  • Personal Items
    • sleeping items, hygiene items, contact lists, medications, glasses, hearing aids, baby/infant needs, rain gear, etc.
  • Sanitation/Clean Up Supplies
    • water, bleach, rubber gloves, brooms, mops, rags, etc.
  • Pets/Service Animals
    • food, water, medications, leash, collar, identification tags, vaccination records, toys, etc.
  • Basic Safety Equipment
    • weather radio, first aid kit, landline telephone, flashlights, batteries, etc.
  • Basic Tools
    • simple tool kit, tarps, duct tape, gloves, etc.
  • Medical Equipment
    • medical alert tags/bracelets, cooler with ice for medications, assistive devices, etc.
  • Miscellaneous Items
    • spare keys, important papers, photographs of the home interior, cash, keepsakes, etc.