Have an emergency plan. The first step in creating your family emergency preparedness plan is to find out what types of hazardous events (eg., tornadoes, floods, snowstorms, windstorms, power outages, hazardous material spills, etc.) could happen in your community.

You will want to know about your community's public warning system and what you should do when it is activated. Inquire about animal care during disaster due to the fact that emergency shelters do not allow pets because of health regulations.

Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons.

 Next find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time. Information on fire and other hazards in your home can be obtained from your local fire department or fire association, or your insurance carrier.

Based on the information you gathered on what could happen, create a family emergency preparedness plan. You should meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for an emergency event.

Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and other events that may cause the implementation of the plan to all family members. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss the types of events that are most likely to happen and explain what to do in each case.

You will want to select two places for family members to meet. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and/or phone number of the meeting place.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact". After an event it is often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone should know your contact's phone number. Discuss what to do in an evacuation with your family.

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together.

If you're a member of a neighborhood organization such as home association or crime watch group, introduce emergency preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (eg., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.

Make plans for childcare in case parents can't get home.

Activities you should do to prepare and address in your family planning include:

	Posting emergency phone numbers by your telephones
	Teaching children how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency help
	Showing each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches
	Be sure to have adequate insurance coverage
	Teaching each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it is kept
	Installing smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms
	Conduct a home hazard hunt
	Stock emergency supplies and assemble an Emergency Supply Kit (examples follow in the next section)
	Taking a first aid and CPR class
	Determining the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room
	Finding the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster

Practice and maintain your plan by:

	Quizzing your kids every six months so they remember what to do
	Conducting fire and emergency evacuation drills to test your plan
	Replacing stored water every three months and stored food every six months
	Testing and recharging your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturers instruction
	Testing your smoke detectors monthly and changing the batteries at least once a year

Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

Stock disaster supplies to last at least three days to a week for yourself and those who live with you. Don't forget to plan for your pets! Some recommendations include:

	Battery powered radio and extra batteries
	Flashlights and extra batteries. Using candles for lighting is not recommended
	Non-perishable packaged and canned items that are ready to eat such as meats, fruits, vegetables, juices, milk, soup; staples such as sugar, salt and pepper; high energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix; comfort/stress goods such as cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags; and a non-electric can opener. If the power goes off, first use the perishable food from the refrigerator, then use the foods from the freezer door, these will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days. Finally, begin to use the non-perishable food and staples. For emergency cooking you can use a fireplace grill, or a camp stove can be used outdoors. Do not use a grill or camp stove indoors! Make sure you have an adequate supply of fuel. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat the can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first
	Adequate supplies of prescription and non-prescription medications you normally use including personal hygiene products. (Don't forget your vitamins)
	First aid kit and manual
	Special items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles with throw away inserts, powdered milk, medications. For adults, medications, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses. For people with mobility problems; extra wheel chair batteries, oxygen, medication, catheters, food for guide or service dogs, or other special equipment needed such as a list of style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers
	Fire extinguisher, ABC type
	Tools and supplies such as pliers, tape, compass, matches in a waterproof container, plastic storage containers, aluminum foil, paper and pencils, needles and thread, medicine dropper, shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water, whistle, plastic sheeting, map of the area
	For entertainment; games and books
	Clothing and bedding such as sturdy and warm shoes or work boots, rain gear, hats and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, plenty of extra blankets and pillows if the power goes off. Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
	Keep important family documents in a waterproof container, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, passports, social security cards, immunization records, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and companies, inventory of valuable household goods, important phone numbers, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates, etc.)
	An extra set of car keys

Creating Your Family Emergency Preparedness Supply Kit

Once you have created your family preparedness kit, store it in a convenient place known to all family members and keep a smaller version in the trunk of your car. Keep items in air-tight plastic bags. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once per year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.  
 

EMERGENCY CAR KIT

PROTECT VALUABLE RECORDS & DOCUMENTS

An up-to-date inventory is a valuable resource when dealing with loss or destruction of your property. Photographs and videos should be included in your inventory. Keep your inventory current and in a safe place. A safe place is usually another location or a safety deposit box.

	Stocks and Bond Certificates
	Property Records, Deeds, Titles, and/or Leases
	Contracts (including promissory notes)
	Vehicle Titles
	Important Receipts and Bills of Sale
	Listing of Insurance Policies and Current Contacts
	Military Service Records
	Passports/Citizenship Papers
	Income Tax Returns
	Unusual Losses or Deductions
	Guarantees and Warranties
	Educational and Employment Records