The first and most important preparedness activity you can do is to create a plan with your family. Some things to consider are: how will you let each other know where you are, and that you are safe? If the kids are in school or daycare, who will pick them up? Do you know what your school’s emergency plan is? If we have to leave our home due to a fire, where will we all meet? Have a discussion with your family to create an emergency plan, then write it down. Make sure all involved understand YOUR plan. The first step to being prepared is having a plan that works for your family. Learn more about creating a plan at home by visiting the Planning at Home page on this website.

Now that you’ve created a plan, assemble an emergency kit. You should try to have enough supplies for your family for up to 3 days. Some suggested items include: one gallon of water, per person, per day; toilet paper; a simple first aid kit; a variety of canned foods with a can opener; comfort foods (ie: chocolate); a seven day supply of medications; a note pad and pens to write down important information; a blanket for every family member; flashlight with batteries; a list of important phone numbers; a NOAA weather radio; paper towels; baby supplies or any other special needs items for your family members. Keep your supplies in water proof totes, as they will be easy to transport should you need to leave your home.

You’re READY now. You have a plan and you have a kit. Next, we’ll get SET!

Your family has a plan, but do they truly understand it? Go over the plan, discuss it and make sure everyone knows what to do. Discuss your plan over dinner tonight. You may think of some issues that you hadn’t planned for. For example, what will you do with the family pet should you need to leave your home? A plan is always a work in progress-it is never finished.

Education on hazards in your community will prepare you to deal with an emergency. Check out the Hazards section of this website. Knowledge is power, so arm yourself!

Now that you are SET to deal with an emergency, get ready to GO!

Practice all or part of your family’s emergency plan. First responders test their skills by participating in mock scenarios, called exercises. Have a family disaster exercise.  Use the opportunity to practice going to your place of safety during a tornado warning. Testing your family's plan will ensure they know what to do while at home. Now that you’re a pro in creating family disaster exercises, plan another one! Have your family practice your fire escape plan.

Preparedness begins at home. When events happen, those who have taken the time to plan and are prepared to care for their families generally have better outcomes. Once you have prepared your family, GO encourage friends and co-workers to do the same. Prepared citizens result in a quicker recovery time from any disaster.