Emergency: Be Ready

PSA Be Prepared Landing Page

Emergencies like natural disasters and catastrophic incidents can affect anyone at any time. While these situations are often unavoidable, there are things you can do ahead of time to help protect your family and property ― and to mitigate the impact after disaster strikes, such as:  

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Emergencies are not always predicted and can happen at any moment, so it is important for you to have a family emergency plan in place for when a natural or human-made disaster affects your community. Your family disaster plan should include everyone who lives in your household ― including your pets – and should cover:
  • Securing Your Home
  • Securing Important Documents
  • Communicating During an Emergency
  • Personal Safety
  • Evacuation

Click here for more information about creating your family emergency plan.


2. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

In addition to your family emergency plan, prepare your family by having an emergency supply kit ready in case you are confined to your home or required to evacuate. Be sure your emergency supply kit is in an easy-to-carry bag/container, and that everyone in your household knows where it is stored.
 
Your kit should include:

To learn more about creating an emergency kit, click here.

3. Stay Informed Sign Up for Local Emergency Alert System

When a natural or human-made disaster affects your community, staying on top of the latest news and weather updates is crucial. Follow local news channels, radio, or reliable weather websites and be sure to follow your local Office of Emergency Management emergency alert platforms to stay up to date.

Depending on the situation, a state of emergency may be declared by your local, county, or state agency. A state of emergency can have various meanings, so it is important to understand what the declaration entails.


Additional Information

Pet Safety
Hurricane Preparedness
Water Safety and Preparedness
Special Needs Registry