Overall
Why Prepare?
Citizen
Local
State
Federal

Basic Preparedness
Getting Informed
Planning and Checklists
Special Needs
Disaster Supplies Kit
Shelter
Others

Natural Hazards
Floods
Hurricanes
Thunderstorms and lightning
Tornadoes
Winter storms and extreme cold
Extreme heat
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Landslides and debris flow
Tsunamis
Fires
Wildfires

Technological Hazards
 Hazardous materials incidents
Household chemical emergencies
Nuclear power plant emergencies

Terrorism
Explosions
Biological threats
Chemical threats
Nuclear blasts
Radiological dispersion device events

Recovering from Disaster
Health and safety guidelines
Returning home
Seeking disaster assistance
Coping with disaster
Helping others
 

Special Need Additional Steps

Hearing impaired - May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings
Hearing impaired - May need special assistance to get to a shelter
Mobility impaired - May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies
Single working parent - May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies
Non-English speaking persons - Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed
People without vehicles - May need to make arrangements for transportation
People with special dietary needs - Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply

Find out about support that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided

Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.

Discuss your needs with your employer

If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair

If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the building

Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals and any other items you might need

Be sure to make provisions for medications that necessitate refrigeration

Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.

How do I plan for the Caring of Our Animals in an emergency?
Animals also are affected by disasters.

Plan for pet needs by:

Identifying shelter

Gathering pet supplies

Ensuring your pet has proper ID and up-to-date veterinarian records

Providing a pet carrier and leash

Take the following steps to prepare to shelter your pet:
Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information

Keep veterinary records to prove vaccinations are current

Find out which local hotels and motels allow pets and where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to research outside your local area in case facilities close
Know that, with the exception of service animals, pets are not typically permitted in emergency shelters as they may affect the health and safety of other occupants.

Guidelines for Large Animals

If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.
Ensure all animals have some form of identification
Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance

Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers

Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment

If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside

What Other Safety Skills Should I learn?
It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher.

Learn First Aid and CPR

Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross offers protection for those giving first aid, under the “good Samaritan” law.


Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Be sure everyone knows how to use fire extinguishers and where it is kept in your own home. At least keep an ABC type in your home and car.