You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for as long as two weeks. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. We’re encouraging you to be two weeks ready for anything.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, internet or even your cell phones may be cut off for many days. You may even have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.
Prepare Your Family
When a disaster happens, will you know how to reconnect with your family? Planning ahead can reduce your anxiety following a disaster. As part of your family emergency preparedness plan, focus on communication. Every member of the family needs to be involved so that when disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do. How well you manage the aftermath of a disaster depends a great deal on your level of preparedness when disaster strikes. Use this guide to take a step every month for the next 12 months to Prepare in a Year. Then, practice your plans. Maybe have a picnic with your emergency food stores before they expire, then update your supplies.
To ensure your family is better prepared for the next disaster complete the easy-to-do activities in our Prepare in a Year Booklet:
Prepare Your Home
Even a minor earthquake can cause pictures to fall from the walls or unsecure cabinets to tip over. This puts you and loved ones at risk. To prepare your home to better withstand damage take some time to complete the activities in our Getting Ready Home Booklet:
Prepare Your Pets
If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. Unfortunately, animals are also affected by disaster.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans for your pets. Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what’s best for your animals.
Our partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency have developed several resources to help you care for your animals and prepare for a disaster.
Additional resources:
Assemble Disaster Supplies Kits
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster. At a minimum, it’s suggested your kit include water, food, a radio, flashlight and a first aid kit. For a more complete list, visit our suggestions to prepare your Home Kit. It’s also recommended that individuals assemble a Vehicle Kit to keep in your car.
Disaster Preparedness Videos
Take a few minutes to watch these “how to” and “personal safety” preparedness and flood videos.
Publications
To download the complete Emergency Preparedness Guide and view other publications and links.
