Guide to Preparedness

Get a Kit

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
  
• Three-day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned foods
  
• Manual can opener
  
• Sanitation and hygiene items
  
• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
  
• Blankets or sleeping bags
  
• A first aid kit and prescription medications
  
• An extra pair of glasses
  
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
  
• Credit cards and cash
  
• A list of family physicians
  
• Pet supplies
  
• Map of the local area
  
• Photocopies of personal documents/identification
  
• Matches
  
• Whistle

Make a Plan

• Arrange for someone to check on you at the time of a disaster.
• Assess yourself and your household. Identify the personal abilities and limitations that may affect your response to a disaster.
• Know the safe places in your home in case you need to shelter during extreme weather events.
• Post emergency phone numbers near your phone.
• Keep support items like wheelchairs and walkers in a designated place.
• Ask about the emergency plans and procedures that exist in your community.
• Plan the best and quickest escape routes out of your home and evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
• If you receive home care, check with your case manager to see what their plan is in times of emergency.
• If you live in a senior community, become familiar with any disaster notification plans that may already exist.
• Plan for your pets or service animals.

Be Informed

• Find out which disaster could occur in your area.
• Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
• Utilize emergency notification systems:

1. NOAA All Hazards weather radio
2. Local Emergency Alert system WBAP 820 AM)
3. TV Broadcasts
4. Outdoor warning Systems
5. Reverse Emergency Telephone Notification
6. Highway messaging
7. Local Volunteer Fire Departments
8. Door-to-Door Warnings from Local Emergency Officials