Disaster Preparedness: Essential Supplies and Evacuation Plans

A basic emergency supply kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, medications, a flashlight, and batteries.

Each person should have at least 1 gallon of water per day in their emergency supply kit.

It is recommended to have a 7-day supply of non-perishable food in an emergency supply kit.

A first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, ointment, pain relievers, and fever reducers.

When evacuating during a disaster, it is important to stay calm, follow instructions, grab your emergency supply kit, and turn off utilities and secure your home.

If you are evacuating from a disaster, you can go to a designated evacuation center, the home of a friend or family member in a safe area, or a hotel or motel.

If you are unable to evacuate from a disaster, you should stay indoors and away from windows, turn off utilities and secure your home, and gather your emergency supply kit and stay in a safe room.

The best way to stay informed about disasters and emergencies is to listen to the radio or watch the news, follow social media accounts of local emergency management agencies, and sign up for emergency alerts and notifications.

You should review and update your emergency supply kit and evacuation plan at least once a year.

Your emergency contact list should include family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and local emergency management agencies.

An evacuation plan is designed to help you get to a safe location quickly and safely, identify potential hazards and risks in your area, and provide instructions on what to do in different emergency situations.

If you are caught in a flood, you should move to higher ground immediately.

If you are caught in a fire, you should stay calm and follow instructions, drop to the ground and crawl to the nearest exit, and cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.

If you are caught in a tornado, you should find a sturdy building or underground shelter, stay away from windows and doors, and cover your head and neck with your arms.

If you are caught in an earthquake, you should drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy table or desk, stay away from windows and outside doors, and turn off utilities and secure your home.