Preparedness
An everyday task for everyday life
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community.
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?
Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. We encourage you to:
Get a Kit (order from www.safedisaster.com)
Make a Plan
Be Informed
In the midst of rushing through everyday life, it's important to take a minute or two to prepare for emergencies. Being prepared helps you and your family minimize the impact of a disaster such as a hurricane or an emergency such as a broken leg.
The best way to make your family and your home safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.
Get a Kit
Build a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.
Make a Plan
Make a family communications plan that includes an evacuation plan and coordinates with your school, work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family.
Be Informed
Know what may happen and how you can help
Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play and how they can affect you, your family and community
Identify how authorities will notify you and how you will get important information
Learn what you can do to prepare by contacting your local chapter of the American Red Cross to ask about first aid, CPR and disaster training
Share what you have learned
Download the award-winning Masters of Disaster® disaster preparedness curriculum, which is designed to teach children how to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and other emergencies
TIP OF THE DAY
Family First
Check your child's school Web site or call the school office to request a copy of the school's emergency plans. Keep a copy at home and work.
Learn where the safe places are in your home for each type of disaster. Learn about the disaster plans at your business, your child's school or daycare center, or other places where you and your family spend time.
