Emergency Preparedness is everyone’s job.  Not just government agencies, but all sectors of society, schools, service organizations, business, volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, and every individual citizen should plan ahead for emergencies and disasters.  People must be ready to act on their own.   

We encourage you to be prepared for emergencies and disasters by first developing a emergency plan to fit your unique situation second get an emergency kit and third update your plan and kit at least annually and be confident you are prepared.

#1 Make an Emergency Plan

Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency.  Think about the places where your family spends time; school, work, and other places you visit frequently.  Ask about their emergency plans. Discuss with your family the types of emergencies that may occur.  Plan what to do in each case. 

Discuss what to do if you need to evacuate.  (We suggest you make your emergency kits or buckets portable.) 

Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home in case of fire and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. 

Ask a relative or friend who lives out of the area to be your family’s contact person.  In an emergency, all family members should call this person and tell them where they are. 

Create a list of important family information and share it with family members. 

Learn how to turn off utilities such as water, gas and electricity.  Keep necessary tools near shut off valves.