National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare for Emergencies and Disasters

National Preparedness Month is held every September to remind people how important it is to be ready for emergencies and disasters that could happen at any time. Know what disasters and hazards could happen in your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family needed to leave. Make sure that your family has a plan and that you practice it often. Preparation advice and real-time weather forecasts are available on the FEMA App.

 Make a Plan 

Make a plan. Your family may not be together when a disaster happens, so it's important to know what kinds of disasters could happen in your area. See how you'll get in touch and get back together if you get separated. Set up a place for your family to meet that everyone knows and is easy to find. Follow these steps from Make A Plan | Ready.gov to make your emergency plan: 

 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?

 Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

As you get ready, make sure your plans and supplies are based on what you need and what you have to do every day. Talk about your needs and responsibilities, as well as how people in the network can help each other with things like communication, taking care of children, running a business, taking care of pets, or helping with specific items like using medical equipment. Set up your network to help you in specific areas where you need help. When making your plan, keep some of these things in mind:

• 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 creating your own.

Family Emergency Plan 

 Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

 Please visit Make A Plan | Ready.gov for additional materials and tips.

 Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

 To start making your kit, put things in airtight plastic bags and put the whole thing in one or two containers that are easy to carry, like plastic bins or a duffel bag.

 A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days for drinking and sanitation)

• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle (to signal for help)

• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

• Manual can opener (for food)

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

 Download and Print the Emergency Supply List here:  Emergency Supply List 

For additional emergency supplies kit tips, please visit, Build A Kit | Ready.gov.