Author: Tristan Lewis
Great ShakeOut: Join the World’s Largest Earthquake Drill
Every year, on the third Thursday of October, people come together to practice earthquake safety and to prepare for the next big earthquake. This year the international Great ShakeOut is happening on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. local time and gives Idahoans a chance to join millions around the world in the largest earthquake drill ever.
Whether you’re at home, work, school, or in a public space, everyone can take part in this life-saving drill. For those unable to join on October 17, holding a drill on a more convenient day is always an option.
Taking steps now to prepare for earthquakes can prevent a disaster from becoming a catastrophe. Earthquakes strike without warning, leaving little time to react. Practicing earthquake-safe actions, like the Drop, Cover, Hold On drill, can make all the difference when real shaking occurs.
How to prepare:
Registration is available at ShakeOut.org/register for families, workplaces, and organizations. Last year, more than 66,000 Idahoans participated—let’s see if we can get even more this year! After registering, participants will receive guidance on preparation, actions to take during and after an earthquake, and updates about the ShakeOut.
Check out others in the community who are participating at ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating and help spread awareness by encouraging neighbors, friends, and coworkers to join the effort.
Don’t wait until the shaking starts, register today and practice earthquake safety with your community.
Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence
Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence
BOISE, ID – The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) invites you to the final session of the global 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, titled “Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence,” on Thursday, October 10, at 10 a.m. MT. This event is open to participants from around the world.
This session will explore the challenges, hidden dangers, and managerial risks associated with integrating AI, emphasizing the importance of ethical, secure, and effective implementation. This 90-minute session will feature insights from experts in government and the private sector to help seminar attendees explore strategies and considerations for harnessing AI’s power responsibly within organizational settings.
Featured Speakers:
- Andrew A. Bochman — As a Senior Grid Strategist and Infrastructure Defender at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Bochman provides strategic guidance on grid security and climate resilience to U.S. and international leaders. A frequent speaker and author, he published Countering Cyber Sabotage in 2021 and will release his second book, Defending Civilization, in 2025, addressing risks to electric grids and critical infrastructures. An Atlantic Council non-resident senior fellow, he has previously worked with the U.S. Air Force, IBM, and the Chertoff Group.
- Michael K. Hamilton — Founder of Critical Insight, Hamilton provides security services to local governments, healthcare, and critical manufacturing sectors. He previously served as CISO for the City of Seattle and held roles in Washington State government, as well as the Vice-Chair of the DHS Government Coordinating Council. A recognized cybersecurity expert, he was named CISO of the Year at the 2021 RSA Conference and is the Chair of the PISCES project, which offers no-cost cyber monitoring for small local governments while training future cyber analysts.
- Sean McSpaden — A Principal Legislative IT Analyst at the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office, McSpaden has over 30 years of experience in IT across private, non-profit, and public sectors. He previously served as the Deputy State Chief Information Officer for Oregon and currently oversees IT, GIS, cybersecurity, and AI projects for state agencies. Active in legislative committees, he is also a member of Oregon’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and represents Oregon at the NCSL Taskforce on AI, Cybersecurity, and Privacy. McSpaden holds an MBA and various certifications, including ISACA Information Security Manager and PMI Project Management Professional.
About the Series:
Sponsored by IOEM, this series is a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Albertsons Companies. It involves volunteer speakers with firsthand experience in key business and industry security and resilience topics.
This course can be taken individually and counts towards continuing education with CEU credits.
To register for the series, please click here. For questions or more information, contact training@ghinternational.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your organization’s preparedness and resilience.
For a recording of Session 1, 2, and 3 of the 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, please click here. For recordings of the 2023 PSPRS Seminar Series sessions, please click here.
How to Help After Hurricane Helene
ATLANTA – There are many ways to help those affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast. Here are some of the organizations providing support to people who experienced loss from the storm:
- Get in Touch: Family and friends of people in disaster-affected areas are urged to check social network sites for information about your loved ones. Visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well or Contact Loved Ones | Disaster Aid | Red Cross.
- Text. Don’t Call: Texting leaves lines open for emergencies.
- How to Help: Cash donations are the most effective way to help after a disaster. Visit Volunteer and Donate | FEMA.gov.
Additionally, National VOAD members and partners are assisting communities in need. National VOAD members and partners will serve these communities as long as necessary. There is no request for donations outside of cash. Do not send unsolicited donated goods, and please do not self-deploy.
- Alabama – Alabama VOAD (alvoad.org).
- Florida – FLVOAD (wpengine.com).
- Georgia – Georgia VOAD (gavoad.org).
- Kentucky – Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (kentuckyvoad.org).
- North Carolina – North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ncvoad.org).
- South Carolina – SCemd.org/recover/volunteer-and-donate.
- Tennessee – Tennessee VOAD (tnvoad.org).
Idaho Small Business Cybersecurity Summit 2024
Did you know that hackers strike every 39 seconds, with 43% of these attacks targeting small businesses? Small businesses are at a higher risk, and three times more likely to be attacked by cybercriminals than larger companies. Many cyber-attacks can be prevented with the right resources, information, and preparation, enabling businesses to respond and recover effectively in the event of an incident.
That’s why Idaho Department of Finance, Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Idaho Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are partnering together to share tips and lessons to help businesses protect themselves from cyber threats.
The Idaho Small Business Cyber Security Summit is a one-of-a-kind event designed for small businesses seeking innovative solutions to protect their company’s critical infrastructure. This summit offers both in-person and virtual opportunities for business leaders to learn about the latest cyber threat landscape. It also facilitates direct connections with solutions, subject matter experts, and local resources to evaluate industry solutions.
The Idaho Small Business Cybersecurity Summit is set for Thursday, September 26 at the Idaho Response Center (IRC), Chinden Campus Building #8, located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714. This free event will equip attendees with resources to prevent and manage cyber-attacks!
The summit offers both morning and afternoon sessions, with in-person and virtual attendance options.
Morning session: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MT
Afternoon session: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MT.
Note: both sessions will cover the same information, so attending one is sufficient.
To register for the in-person event, click here. For virtual attendance registration, use this link for both morning and afternoon sessions.
More details and the event agenda will be posted soon! For questions, please contact: info@commerce.idaho.gov
Safely Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) invites you to the first of two fall sessions of the global 2024 Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, titled “Safely Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace,” on Thursday, September 12, at 10 a.m. MT. This event is open to participants from around the world.
This session will be split into two-parts. The first will focus on the positive way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces globally, offering opportunities for efficiencies in such areas as, regulatory compliance, supply chain management and market awareness that leads to informed decision-making. The second installment, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, will explore the challenges, hidden dangers, and managerial risks associated with integrating AI, emphasizing the importance of ethical, secure, and effective implementation.
These 90-minute sessions will feature insights from experts in government and the private sector to help seminar attendees explore strategies and considerations for harnessing AI’s power responsibly within organizational settings.
Featured Speakers:
- Joe Larkin — With over 22 years at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Larkin currently serves as the Section Chief of the Emergency Services Section within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). He leads national efforts to reduce risk and enhance resiliency in the Emergency Services Sector (ESS), which includes Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and Public Works. Larkin also chairs the ESS Government Coordination Council and contributes to the Government Services and Facilities Sector and Healthcare and Public Health Sector councils. Previously, he was the Branch Manager of Training and Exercises for the Transportation Security Administration, overseeing national training and exercise programs for surface operations.
- Ashley Shields — A Lead Professional at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Shields specializes in digital twin development for nuclear energy and artificial intelligence applications. She leads the Digital Twin Analytics group within the Energy and Environmental Science and Technology Division, where her team focuses on data analysis and visual communication using AI, machine learning, and extended reality technologies. A graduate of Idaho State University’s MS in Geographic Information Science program, Shields continued her studies in Geosciences through 2021.
- Josh Webster — The SWAT Assistant Team Leader at the Story County Sheriff’s Office, Webster has served the community for over 18 years. He has held key roles, including Detention Supervisor and Administrator, where he managed staff scheduling, budgeting, and training. Currently, he leads high-stakes missions in collaboration with federal agencies and neighboring communities, ensuring preparedness and high performance. A veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Webster also brings military expertise in rapid response and tactical operations.
About the Series:
Sponsored by IOEM, this series is a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Albertsons Companies. It involves volunteer speakers with firsthand experience in key business and industry security and resilience topics.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Session 3: September 12 – Safely Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
- Session 4: October 10 – Emerging Cybersecurity Threats: Preparing for the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence
Each course can be taken individually and counts towards continuing education with CEU credits.
To register for the series, please click here. For questions or more information, contact training@ghinternational.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your organization’s preparedness and resilience.
For a recording of Session 1 and 2 of the 2024Public-Private Partnership Security and Resilience Seminar Series, please click here. For recordings of the 2023 PSPRS Seminar Series sessions, please click here.
Public Affairs Office Contact
Public Affairs Officer
Tristan Lewis
Cell: (208) 803-5216 | Office: (208) 258-6585
tlewis@imd.idaho.gov
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month
Prepare, plan, protect: IOEM encourages Idahoans to develop a plan, build a kit, stay informed, and get involved this National Preparedness Month.
BOISE, ID – Disasters in recent years, both in Idaho and across the country, are a reminder of the importance of being prepared. Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is recognizing September as National Preparedness Month, which provides an opportunity for individuals and families to ensure they are aware of the threats and hazards in their communities. Whether you’re at home, at work, in school, on vacation, or on the road, having a plan in place is crucial.
“Something as simple as an emergency preparedness kit for your vehicle and home is crucial,” said IOEM Director Brad Richy. “Emergency managers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and other emergency responders do an outstanding job of keeping us safe, but they cannot do it alone. We encourage all Idahoans to discuss their family’s emergency plan should a disaster occur.”
Throughout September, IOEM will share important preparedness information and tips on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to help Idahoans prepare for the unexpected. Each week, IOEM will focus on different themes to guide Idahoans in taking essential steps towards readiness.
- Week 1 (Sept. 1 – 7): Creating Emergency Plans
Idahoans are encouraged to discuss and document how they will communicate during an emergency, where they will go, and what steps they will take in different scenarios. Whether you’re at home, work, or school, having a well-thought-out plan makes sure that every member of your household knows what to do in case of an emergency. - Week 2 (Sept. 8 – 14): Building Emergency Kits
Idahoans should gather essential items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Kits should be prepared for both the home and vehicle for readiness in various situations. - Week 3 (Sept. 15 – 21): Staying Informed
Idahoans are encouraged to learn or review how they receive alerts and warnings, understand the types of emergencies that could affect your area, and having a reliable communication strategy. - Week 4 (Sept. 22 – 28): Community Involvement and Volunteering
The final week of September encourages Idahoans to get involved and volunteer in their communities.
For more information on National Preparedness Month, please visit IOEM’s National Preparedness Month webpage.
Public Affairs Office Contact
Public Affairs Officer
Tristan Lewis
Cell: (208) 803-5216 | Office: (208) 258-6585
tlewis@imd.idaho.gov
Community Involvement and Volunteering
In times of disaster, the strength of a community can make all the difference. When emergencies strike, communities that are united and prepared can respond more effectively and recover more quickly.
Local and national volunteer organizations play a critical role by providing trained volunteers and much-needed donated supplies. By getting involved and volunteering in your community, you can help make sure that your community is ready to face whatever challenges may come.
- Remember, cash is best. During a disaster, donating to a recognized disaster relief organization is often the most effective way to help. Financial contributions are the fastest, most flexible, and impactful method of supporting relief efforts.
- Volunteer to respond to disasters. Your involvement can make a significant difference. Look for opportunities to volunteer with local organizations or emergency response teams.
- Volunteer opportunities in Idaho:
- Join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Gain disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Special emphasis has been placed on youth CERT initiatives such at the CERT curriculum at Meridian Medical Arts Charter High Schooland Teen CERT Ready Camp program with Southwest District Health.
Idahoans could help save countless lives by taking simple actions to prepare your community or organization for a disaster before one strikes. FEMA offers free trainings and education tools to train yourself and others on the best ways to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster or emergency.
- You Are the Help Until Help Arrives. FEMA offers online or in-person training that teaches you how to save a life before professional help arrives.
- Teach preparedness in schools or childcare facilities. Utilize resources from the Ready Kids program to educate students from grades K-12 about disaster preparedness.
- Expand your knowledge. Take a free online independent study course through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute or a CPR course through the American Red Cross to better prepare yourself and your community.
- Prepare your Community-Based Organization. Enroll in FEMA’s OPEN training to enhance your organization’s readiness for emergency needs.
- Promote preparedness online. Share preparedness tips on social media using Ready’s online toolkit or public service announcements.
- Be two weeks ready. Being prepared means having enough non-perishable food, water, and supplies to survive for several days.
By participating in community involvement and volunteering efforts, Idahoans can not only enhance their community’s resilience but also make sure that we are all better prepared to face and recover from any disaster that comes our way.
For additional information on community involvement, check out some of these resources:
Staying Informed and Communication Strategies
Disasters can strike without warning. No matter where you live in Idaho, whether it is in the mountains, by the rivers, or in the valley, it’s crucial to understand the potential hazards around you and know how to receive emergency alerts. From wildfires to floods, earthquakes to winter storms, and other natural hazards, staying informed is the first step in staying prepared and protecting yours and your loved ones’ safety.
Idaho’s unique geographical location exposes the state and its citizens to a variety of severe weather and other threats. The State of Idaho Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies 13 hazards of concern, forming the foundation for long-term disaster planning and strategy. These threats include:
- Avalanche
- Civil Disorder
- Cyber Threats
- Drought
- Earthquake
- Flood
- Hazardous Materials Release
- Landslide
- Pandemic
- Radiological Accidents
- Severe Weather
- Volcanic Eruptions
- Wildfire
Understanding the Hazards Around You
Each region of Idaho may be more susceptible to certain types of hazards. For instance, while wildfires might be a greater threat in forested or rural areas, flooding could be more likely near rivers and low-lying regions. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of these events and determine whether you would need to shelter in place or evacuate.
Local emergency management offices is a valuable resource in understanding the specific hazards that their community faces. They can help you identify the specific hazards in your area and provide detailed plans and recommendations for how to prepare and respond to each scenario. It’s also important to find out from local emergency managers how citizens can and will be notified in case of a disaster.
Receiving Emergency Alerts
Emergency alerts are critical tools for staying informed during a disaster. These alerts can provide timely information about the nature of the threat, the recommended course of action, and where to find more information.
Idaho offers several ways to stay connected, including the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS), and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). IOEM also encourages Idahoans to make sure they’re signed up for these services and following sheriff’s offices, and local and state emergency management offices on social media for daily updates.
To make sure you’re receiving alerts and warnings on your phone, please visit the following how to guides based on your device:
- Apple Users: Change Notification Settings on iPhone – Apple Support
- Android Users: Control Notifications on Android – Android Help
- Samsung Galaxy Users: Use Your Galaxy Phone or Tablet in Emergency Situations – Samsung Support
For specific details or additional guidance on setting up Emergency Alerts & Warnings, please contact your mobile service provider.
Creating a Communication Plan
In addition to staying informed through alerts, it’s important to have a communication plan in place for your family and household. Disasters can disrupt traditional communication methods, so plan how you will check in with each other and establish a meeting point if you become separated.
Tips for an Effective Communication Plan:
- Identify Emergency Contacts. Choose an out-of-town contact who can relay information between separated family members.
- Designate a Meeting Place. Decide on a safe meeting place in case you must evacuate your home.
- Backup Communication Methods. Consider having backup options like walkie-talkies or satellite phones in case cell service is down.
Staying informed isn’t just about receiving alerts; it’s also about staying connected with your community. Engage with your neighbors, share information, and work together to stay prepared. Participate in local emergency drills and help make sure your community is aware of the hazards that could impact them.
By understanding the risks in your area, signing up for emergency alerts, and preparing a communication plan, you can respond to the best of your ability when disaster strikes. Remember, preparedness starts with being informed.
For additional information about staying informed, check out some of these resources:
Building an Emergency Kit
When disaster strikes, being prepared can truly make all the difference. In Idaho, where our risks include everything from wildfires and severe winter weather to earthquakes, having a well-stocked emergency kit can be crucial in how you and your household handle unexpected situations. It’s not only about getting through the immediate crisis but also about staying comfortable, clean, fed, and healthy in the aftermath.
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages all Idahoans to gather essential supplies and keep them in one to two easy-to-carry emergency kit(s), ready for use at home or for quick evacuation in any type of emergency or disaster.
Basics Supplies
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes for each person in your home
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with portable chargers and a backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your own specific, individual needs:
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Printed copies of important phone numbers for community resources or local emergency contacts (like the nearest shelter or emergency services)
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items as needed.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know always know where you may be when an emergency happens, prepare supplies for home, work, and cars.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Assembling an emergency kit is a key step in making sure your and your family are prepared for any situation. Take the time now to build your kit and revisit it regularly to make sure it meets the evolving needs of your family. You’ll be better equipped to protect what matters most when it counts.
For additional information to create an emergency kit, check out some of these resources:
Creating An Emergency Plan
While most people often think “it won’t happen to us,” the reality is that emergencies can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical crisis or a widespread power outage, having a well-thought-out emergency plan can make all the difference in keeping your family safe. It is important for Idahoans to be prepared and take the time to create an emergency plan for their household of what to do, where to go, who to contact, and more in the event an emergency does happen.
What Are the Risks of Where You Live?
Before you create an emergency plan it is important to understand the specific risks that you and your community may face, whether it’s wildfires, floods, earthquakes, winter storms, or other natural hazards. It’s important to take these potential events into account by recognizing the warning signs, determining whether you would need to shelter in place or evacuate, and planning how to respond to the impact of these events.
Local emergency management offices may be able to help identify the hazards in your area and offer preparedness information. It may be helpful to also find out from local emergency managers how citizens can and will be notified in case of a disaster.
What Are the Specific Needs of Your Household?
Next, folks will want to consider the specific needs of their family and household. Tailor your plans and supplies to accommodate your daily living needs and responsibilities. It’s also a good idea to work with others to create networks of neighbors, relatives, friends, and co-workers who can assist each other in an emergency. Discuss your needs and responsibilities, and how people in your network can help with communication, childcare, business continuity, pet care, or operating medical equipment. Here are some key factors to consider when customizing your emergency plan:
- Different ages of household members
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Locations frequented by family members
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment
- Languages spoken
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
- Households with school-aged children
What Are Your Plans for Places Outside Your Home?
While some emergencies come with warnings, many can happen suddenly and without advance notice. Since you can’t always predict where you’ll be during such events, it’s important to have plans and supplies ready for the different locations you and your household frequently visit. Consider places like workplaces, schools, and community centers. Learn more about the emergency plans at these locations and adapt your personal and household plans to reflect what each member should do if an emergency occurs while they are there.
Additionally, plan for the possibility that you and your family may be separated during an emergency. Choose two specific meeting places: one outside your home for immediate emergencies and another outside your neighborhood for evacuation situations. Designate an out-of-area emergency contact person—someone who lives far enough away that it’s easier to reach them if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Be sure that everyone carries this emergency contact information in writing and/or saved on their cell phones.
Create Your Emergency Plan
To start building an emergency plan, address these key questions with your family, friends, or household.
- Determine how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings. Whether through weather apps, local news, or emergency alert systems—to ensure you stay informed of potential threats.
- Establish your shelter plan. Identify safe locations within your home or community where you can take shelter during different types of emergencies, such as severe storms or a power outage.
- Map out your evacuation route. Be sure to include primary and secondary routes to safely leave your home and reach designated safe areas. Practice evacuating your home twice a year.
- Develop a family or household communication plan. Outline how you’ll stay in touch during an emergency, including a designated meeting spot and contact information for all family members.
- Create or update your emergency preparedness kit. Be sure it contains the essentials for your family’s needs, such as food, water, medications, and other critical supplies.
Utilize Ready.gov’s fillable Family Emergency Plan form to help you address some of these questions and create your own plan.
Regularly Review and Practice Your Plan
Creating an emergency plan is an important step in ensuring your family’s safety during unexpected events, but it doesn’t end with just having a plan in place. Be sure to regularly review and update your plan to accommodate any changes in your family’s needs, living situation, or local risks. Schedule periodic check-ins—at least twice a year—to reassess and adjust your plan as necessary. Additionally, practicing your emergency plan through regular drills helps ensure that everyone knows their roles and actions when an actual emergency occurs.
By staying proactive and keeping your plan current, you and your loved ones will be well-prepared to handle any situation that arises, no matter where you are.
For additional information to create an emergency plan, check out some of these resources: