When Emergencies Occur

An Emergency can occur quickly and without warning. The most important thing you can do to keep yourself and you family safe from an emergency is to prepare, stay calm, and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

This site will help you and your family develop an emergency plan, assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit, and share some basic information on what to do before, during, and after any emergency. The site will also provide you with important information about how to obtain emergency and ongoing disaster recovery assistance.

    Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

    1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

    2. What is my shelter plan?

    3. What is my evacuation route?

    4. What is my family/household communication plan?

    5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

    6. Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans.

    Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

    As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

    • Different ages of members within your household

    • Responsibilities for assisting others

    • Locations frequented

    • Dietary needs

    • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment

    • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment

    • Languages spoken

    • Cultural and religious considerations

    • Pets or service animals

    • Households with school-aged children

    Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

    Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.

    Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household