26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness

Every person must have a personal or family emergency plan. To ensure your safety and well-being, and that of your family, you can prepare now to take care of your basic needs for at least the first 72 hours following a disaster. Follow the 26 tips on this page (once a week or every two weeks), and within 6 months (or one year), you will be prepared. Be a hero, be prepared!

  1. Tip 1 - Portable Container - Emergency Kit

Get a portable container (or containers depending on the size of your family) with a lid to use as an emergency kit that will hold all your family’s emergency supplies for 72 hours. A plastic storage bin or garbage can works and one with wheels is ideal. Label the container and keep it in an accessible location near an exit, and make sure all family members know where it is.

  1. Tip 2 - Three-Day Supply of Water
  1. Tip 3 - Identify an Out-of-Area Phone Contact
  1. Tip 4 - Stock Up on Non-Perishable Foods
  1. Tip 5 - Portable Radio & Batteries
  1. Tip 6 - Identify Home Hazards
  1. Tip 7 - Assign Safety Tasks to Each Family Member
  1. Tip 8 - Safe Places
  1. Tip 9 - Plastic Garbage Bags
  1. Tip 10 - Flashlight & Extra Batteries
  1. Tip 11 - Insurance Policies
  1. Tip 12 - First-Aid Kit
  1. Tip 13 - Change of Clothing
  1. Tip 14 - Personal Toiletry Items
  1. Tip 15 - Be a Hero, Be Prepared
  1. Tip 16 - Take Care of Your Most Vulnerable
  1. Tip 17 - Pets & Supplies
  1. Tip 18 - Assemble Documents & Family Photos
  1. Tip 19 - Sleeping Bags & Blankets
  1. Tip 20 - Duct Tape & Plastic Sheeting
  1. Tip 21 - Connect with Your Neighbors
  1. Tip 22 - Large Bucket, Tools & Small Necessities
  1. Tip 23 - First-Aid Course
  1. Tip 24 - Keep Your Kids Informed
  1. Tip 25 - Know Disaster Response Routes & Evacuation Plans
  1. Tip 26 - Congratulations! You're a Hero!