Emergency Basics
What do you need in an emergency?
Being prepared for an emergency, means being equipped with the proper supplies that you and your family may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. These items should be stored in an easily accessible location that is ready to go in a moment’s notice. Afterall there will be no time to go shopping for or search for supplies.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but it’s as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Prepare and Emergency survival kit
2. Make a Plan with Your Family
3. Be Informed
How to Prepare for an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, you may be required to survive on your own for some time. It’s a good rule of thumb to have at minimum supplies for 72 hours, but up to 1 month is best. That means sufficient food, water and personal supplies.
When preparing your kit, you should assume that basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off.
Let’s prepare for an emergency!
What Do You Need in a Survival Kit?
At a minimum, your kit should have the basic supplies listed below:
- Water: the rule of thumb is one gallon per person, per day.
- Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items.
- Manual can opener and basic utensils
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Local paper maps
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties (personal sanitation)
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:
- Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Games and activities for children
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Two-way radios
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
- Whistle
- N95 or surgical masks
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Work gloves
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Household liquid bleach
- Entertainment items
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Download the FEMA Emergency Supply List
How to Develop an Emergency Communication Plan?
- Your family may not be together, plan how you will contact one another.
- Create a contact card for all family members and keep them in a wallet, purse, backpack, briefcase, etc.
- Check emergency plans with your children’s day care or school.
- Identify a non-local friend or relative household members can notify when they are safe, they may be in a better position to communicate between separated families.
- If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know.
- Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
Download Ready.gov Family Communication Plan Checklist
Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, natural diasters, etc. Sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management website.
What type of natural disasters occur around me?
Be Informed – Understand the type of natural disasters that are likely to occur in your area and ways to stay safe if they occur.
Explore our various disaster preparedness resources for common natural disasters.
