Family Preparedness

General Steps For Preparedness

Taking some simple steps to prepare yourself and your family now can improve your chances of staying safe and healthy during a disaster situation. The following are recommendations for making basic preparations and plans. Visit Ready.gov for more step by step instructions.

Assemble disaster supply kits for your home and car (see Supply Kit below)
Remember to replace food and water on a regular basis.
Create a family disaster plan and practice it regularly.
Learn and teach others how to turn off the electricity, gas, and water.
Know how fire extinguishers work
Check fire extinguishers and replace batteries in flashlights twice a year.
Make a list of any special needs for elderly or disabled persons, children or pets.
Develop a habit of keeping a full tank of gas in your car.
Have a list of organizations that can be contacted for emergency assistance and keep it with disaster supplies.

Forms

Resources

Department Info

Prepare Your Own Disaster Supply Kit

It is recommended that each home and car contain a disaster supply kit. The home kit should be stored in a convenient location known to all family members. Food, water, and other time sensitive items should be replaced twice a year (time change dates in spring and fall are recommended). The kits should contain the following items:

Water

One gallon per person per day is recommended with a minimum of three days’ supply.
Store in clean, sanitized containers with screw-on caps.
Label containers and store in a cool, dark place. Replace water every 6 months.

Food

Store a three-day supply of food that does not need mixing or cooking with water.
The following foods are recommended: ready to eat meats, canned juices, canned milk, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, trail mix, infant foods. Other items may include salt, pepper, sugar, vitamins, cookies, candy, cereal, coffee, tea.
Don’t forget to include food and water for family pets.

First Aid Kit

If purchasing a kit, select one approved by the American Red Cross.
If assembling a kit at home, the following items should be included: sterile bandages and gauze pads in assorted sizes, adhesive tape, triangular and roller bandages, scissors, tweezers, needles, safety pins, antibacterial towelettes, thermometer, tongue depressors, sunscreen, petroleum jelly or lubricant, soap, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, pain reliever, antacid, anti-diarrhea medication.

Clothing

Your supply kit should contain at least one change of clothes for each family member.
Include blankets or sleeping bags.
You may wish to include rain gear, sunglasses, work boots, hats and work gloves.
Don’t forget special need items such as diapers, medication, glasses, baby food or baby formula, games or a few toys children.

Tools & Supplies

Aluminum foil
Area map
Batter operated radio / TV
Bleach for disinfecting (replace bleach every 6 months)
Cash, check or traveler’s check (in watertight container)
Dishwashing detergent
Fire extinguisher
Flashlight
Matches (in watertight container)
Needles, thread

Personal hygiene products
Pencils or pens, paper
Plastic cups, plates, utensils
Garbage bags
Plastic storage containers
Pliers
Portable potty or plastic bucket with lid
Shut-off wrench for utilities
Tape (heavy-duty)
Toilet paper
Utility knife

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