Emergency Preparedness

If a disaster strikes, how prepared are you and your family?

Emergencies can strike at any time, so it’s important to be prepared and have a plan. Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. 

Know how to respond to natural disasters, such as severe weather, earthquakes, extreme cold, or flooding, and man-made disasters. 

During an emergency, you may need to be self-sufficient for three days or more. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water, and sanitation. 

Here are some tips:

Be Informed

Check all types of media - internet, newspapers, radio, TV - for global, national, and local information. During an emergency, your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will give you valuable information, such as open shelters and evacuation procedures.

Gather Items for an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit with enough supplies for 72 hours. 

Have an Emergency Plan

Make plans with your family and friends in case you’re not together during an emergency. Discuss how you’ll contact each other, where you’ll meet, and what you’ll do in different situations. 

Evacuation Warning: An Evacuation Warning means that there is a danger to life and property. People should use this warning to get ready to evacuate. Those who need additional time should leave when the warning is given, rather than wait for an Evacuation Order.

Evacuation Order: An Evacuation Order means you must evacuate now. Staying could result in loss of life and/or slow the work of responders. An Evacuation order may be the only warning that you receive.