Disaster Preparedness

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 a disaster strikes.

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.

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.

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

If you're a teacher, a parent or a student, make sure you know what to do if an emergency occurs at or on the way to school.

Educator Information

• Masters of Disaster
• First aid and CPR training
• Children and Disasters

Whether you are a business owner, a manager or an employee, make sure you know what to do in the case of an emergency.

If you commute to work, make sure you know alternative routes and carry appropriate supplies such as a disaster supplies kit in your car and a compact kit on public transportation.

The best way to make sure you and your place of business is safe is to be prepared before disaster strikes.

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could plan for a disaster. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.

Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.

Help your community

• Get trained in first aid, CPR and other courses
• Read the Community Disaster Education materials
• Volunteer

Hurricanes, earthquakes, forest fires – make sure you and your family are prepared when disaster strikes your area. Find out what disasters occur in your geographic area and make sure that you have the appropriate supplies and information.

Prepare for: