4 Steps for Emergency Prep

I have 4 easy steps to help prepare your family for disaster. Remember, a disaster could be many different things include a snowstorm, fire, tornado, earthquake, flood, etc…

1. Emergency Kit

Create an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours for each person and pet in your home.

The kit should be convenient and portable

Provide basic needs in event of emergency

  • Water = 1 gallon per person per day
  • 3 day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener – think of food which does not need cooked.
  • A hand crank, battery powered NOAA weather radio with tone alerts and extra batteries.  
  • A Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit

2. Secure Critical Documents

Store your critical documents in a water proof, fireproof location. These documents should include

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Passports
  • Insurance information
  • Any other unreplaceable documents which could include family photos

3. Basic Needs

Prepare for basic needs relevant to your family and include children in packing

  • Clothing
  • Personal items
  • Prescription medicine
  • Work gloves
  • Contacts or glasses
  • Emergency blankets
  • Cell phone charger
  • Copies of your vital records
  • Phone numbers and address book
  • Toys, etc…

4. Emergency Drills

Practice family drills so that your children and you know what to do.  

Of course, having what you need is the first step to being prepared. Those of us with little kids should be practicing family drills. My suggestion would be to practice on the first day of each season – or more often. Walk your child through what to do in case of an emergency. How do you get outside (doors, windows, and other exits), where do you meet, who can you call, etc.  Actively participating in a drill will make it easier for your child to remember in the event of an emergency. Follow the drill with a reflection conversation. Ask questions and be ready to learn from your kids, too. How they see the world can be so helpful in disaster planning.

It is a good idea to know how to support our young children after a disaster as well. 

Simple, small steps can make a difference when it comes to a disaster.  Be prepared.

Additional Information

FEMA: Coping with Disaster

American Red Cross