Category: Blog Posts
Staying Safe During Floods
Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters – and it can happen anywhere. Whether it is caused by overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall, or rapid snowmelt, even a few inches of water can cause significant damage to homes and pose serious risks to lives.
Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages all Idahoans to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property before, during, and after a flood.
Before a Flood
Floods can develop gradually or strike without warning. Flash floods are especially dangerous due to their sudden onset and swift-moving waters. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.
- Know Your Risk: Review local flood maps on the Idaho Map and stay informed about flood-prone areas in your community.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Stay informed with flood watches and warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). Sign up for emergency alerts through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS), and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Follow local emergency management agencies and NWS on social media for real-time updates. Be sure to also tune into and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio
- Have an Emergency Plan: Make sure your household has a plan in place, including evacuation routes and a communication strategy.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents in a waterproof container.
- Protect Your Home: Elevate electrical appliances and store valuables in waterproof containers to minimize flood damage.
- Purchase Flood Insurance: Standard homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Protect your property by investing in a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Knowing the difference between the different flood alerts issued by NWS can help you take appropriate action when necessary.
- Flood Advisory: Flooding is possible but not expected to be severe. While it may cause inconvenience, caution is still advised to prevent potential threats to life and property.
- Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flooding. Stay alert, monitor weather updates, and be ready to act if conditions worsen.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is either occurring or imminent. Take immediate precautions, move to higher ground if necessary, and follow official instructions.
- Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is imminent or already occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods develop rapidly, often within minutes or hours.
During a Flood
Floodwaters can rise quickly and create dangerous conditions. Knowing what to do during a flood can help keep you safe.
- Follow evacuation orders: Listen to instructions from local authorities and emergency responders.
- Find Higher Ground: If flooding is imminent, move to higher ground immediately. If evacuation orders are issued, follow them without delay.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot of water can carry away a vehicle.
- Avoid Bridges Over Fast-Moving Water: Floodwaters can quickly erode bridge foundations, making them unstable and dangerous.
- Stay informed: Tune into emergency broadcasts and weather updates whether that is through NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems.
- Electrical Safety: If water is rising inside your home, turn off electricity at the breaker but only if it is safe to do so. Never enter any room or basement where water is covering electrical outlets or submerging cords.
After a Flood
Floodwaters can leave behind devastation and hidden dangers. Taking precautions after a flood can help keep you safe.
- Wait for All Clear: You are encouraged not to return home until local authorities say it is safe.
- Listen to Road Closures and Cautionary Signs: Road closure and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety. Pay attention to them!
- Avoid Contaminated Water: Floodwaters can be contaminated with chemicals, sewage, and debris. Stay out of standing water to prevent illness and injury.
- Inspect with Caution: Check for structural damage before entering buildings. If you smell gas, see electrical hazards, or suspect damage, leave immediately and contact emergency services.
- Clean Up Safely: Wear protective gear like gloves and boots when cleaning up flood damage. Disinfect surfaces to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Help Your Community: The road to recovery after a flood is a collective effort. Checking in on neighbors and supporting local relief efforts can make a significant difference.
Floods can occur with little warning, but understanding your risk, being prepared, and staying informed can help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones during and after the storm.
For more information on preparing before a flooding event, visit the following resources:
Resolve to Be Ready: A New Year’s Commitment to Preparedness
As we step into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what matters most– keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared is one of the most important resolutions you can make. This year, resolve to take simple steps toward being ready for the unexpected.
- Create Your Emergency Plan
Having a plan in place helps make sure you and your loved ones know what to do during a crisis.
- Sit down with your family to discuss how you’ll communicate during emergencies, where you’ll meet, and how you’ll respond to specific situations like fires, floods, or power outages.
- Use our guide to create an emergency plan tailored to your household’s needs.
- Build Your Emergency Kit
Make it a goal this year to assemble or refresh your emergency kit. Start small– building a kit doesn’t have to be done all at once.
- Essentials to include: Water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, medications, important documents, and pet supplies.
- Aim for a “two weeks ready” kit with enough supplies to sustain your household for at least 14 days.
- Need ideas? Check out our emergency kit checklist for a detailed breakdown.
- Stay Informed
Being informed before, during, and after an emergency is key to keeping safe.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts, download weather apps, and follow trusted sources like your local emergency management or sheriff’s offices.
- Know the risks specific to your area—wildfires, floods, earthquakes—and plan accordingly. Visit Staying Informed for more ways to stay up to date.
- Get Involved in Your Community
Prepared communities are resilient communities. Resolve to volunteer or get involved this year:
- Join programs like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to learn life-saving skills.
- Explore volunteer opportunities with organizations like the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, which play critical roles during disasters.
- Remember, cash donations are best when supporting relief efforts—they’re quick, flexible, and effective.
- Learn more about ways to get involved and volunteer in your community.
Preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This New Year, start with small, achievable steps. Whether it’s creating your plan, building your kit one item at a time, or sharing preparedness tips with friends and family– every action you take brings you closer to being ready.
Resolve to be ready in 2025—and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Let’s make this the year of preparedness!
Holiday Travel Safety
The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and with it comes a unique set of challenges—from unpredictable weather to crowded roads. Whether you’re headed to a snowy mountain getaway or celebrating closer to home, being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your travels are safe and enjoyable. From checking the weather forecast to packing essential winter tools for your car, taking the time to prepare can help you handle the unexpected with ease.
As you gear up for your holiday journey, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is here to share helpful tips to travel safely, responsibly, and with peace of mind.
Pack a Winter Travel Emergency Kit
Winter weather is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to keep your car stocked with essential items. A well-prepared emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable in case of delays or breakdowns. Be sure to include:
- Ice scraper and snow shovel
- Warm gloves, blankets, and hats
- Emergency flares or reflectors
- Rock salt or kitty litter for tire traction
- First aid kit
- Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze
- Non-perishable snacks and water
Before winter fully sets in, make sure your car is ready for the cold months ahead:
- Install winter tires or chains for better traction.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full and top off windshield washer fluid with a freeze-resistant formula.
Having these tools on hand helps you become ready for whatever winter roads may throw your way.
Stay Informed and Connected
Winter weather can change rapidly, especially in Idaho and other colder regions. Before heading out, check the weather forecast for your route and destination. Monitor conditions throughout your trip and adjust your plans as needed. Flexibility with your schedule can help you avoid risky situations, like icy roads or heavy snowstorms.
It’s also important to know the weather and climate risks at your destination. Whether you’re visiting family in the mountains or heading to a warmer climate, take time to research potential hazards like snowstorms or flash floods and learn how to respond if they occur.
Local emergency management offices may be able to help identify winter hazards specific to your area and provide updates on upcoming storms or power outages. It may be helpful to also find out from local emergency managers how citizens can and will be notified in case of a disaster.
Staying informed means staying connected. Keep your phone charged, and bring a car charger or portable power bank for emergencies. Sign up for local weather alerts to stay updated on road closures and severe weather warnings. Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member so someone knows your route and can check in if needed.
- Sign Up for Alerts: 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).
- Follow Local Services: 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 latest power outages, road closures, and weather updates.
- Know What is Happening on the Roads: Check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out by visiting 511.idaho.gov.
Take It Slow and Drive Safely
Rushing to your destination might feel tempting, but winter driving conditions demand extra caution:
- Slow down and increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping times on icy roads.
- Turn off cruise control and be mindful of icy bridges and overpasses.
- If visibility drops during a storm, pull over to a safe location and wait it out.
- Give snowplows plenty of space to work—the safest place is behind them.
Celebrate Safely and Responsibly
The holidays are a time for joy and connection, but celebrations can bring distractions and risks. If you’re planning to drink, designate a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation. Keeping safety at the forefront of your plans protects not only you but everyone on the road.
Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. By taking simple steps to prepare, you can focus on the joy of the season and create lasting memories with loved ones. IOEM encourages you to prioritize safety as you make your holiday plans. Wishing you safe and happy travels this holiday season!
Debris Flows and Flash Floods: What You Need to Know After Wildfires
Wildfires can dramatically change the landscape around us, leaving behind burn scars that oftentimes go unnoticed until it’s too late. These burn scars are at high risk of debris flows and flash floods – both dangerous events that can happen with little warning, particularly after intense rainfall. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) believes understanding these risks are crucial for staying safe if you live, work, or travel near areas impacted by recent fires.
What is a Debris Flow?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Boise, debris flows are a type of fast-moving, deadly landslide. They’re powerful mixtures of mud, rocks, boulders, trees, and even homes or vehicles. They sometimes are referred to as “mudslides” or “mudflows,” but debris flows are technically the most powerful and dangerous of the three. Debris flows are often triggered by intense rain following wildfires, as the rain quickly dislodges loose, unanchored soil and other debris from burned slopes.
Why Debris Flows and Flash Floods Occur in Burned Areas
Wildfires burn away vegetation and cause a chemical reaction in the soil, leading to a hardened, water-resistant layer. Known as “hydrophobic soil,” this layer prevents rain from soaking into the ground, causing it to run off quickly instead. Without vegetation to hold the soil in place, the runoff flows faster and gains power as it heads downhill, increasing the risk of flash flooding and debris flows.
- Intense Rainfall: Debris flows often occur with intense bursts of rain—just half an inch in an hour can trigger one. These events don’t require prolonged rainfall, just a sudden, heavy downpour.
- Rapid Erosion: After a fire, loose rocks, soil, and other debris are left without vegetation to stabilize them, which increases erosion and contributes to fast-moving flows.
- Flash Flood Hazards: In burn areas, flash flooding can happen even in places that haven’t previously experienced flooding. Roads, trails, and streams may flood suddenly, creating hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and structures.
Why Are Debris Flows So Dangerous?
Debris flows and flash floods are fast and unpredictable. They can move faster than a person can run and even catch up to vehicles. They also don’t always follow existing channels; a debris flow might start in a stream and then veer into neighborhoods or roads with no prior history of flooding. It is important to monitor weather and take action at the first sign of potential danger.
Tips for Preparedness
- Sign up for Alerts: Enroll in local emergency alert systems such as the Idaho State Alert and Warning System receive warnings about severe weather.
- Track the Weather: Use reliable sources, including NOAA Weather Radio, the NWS Boise website, and local sheriff’s offices and news outlets for updates.
Remember, storms can form rapidly, especially in mountainous areas, and intense rain over a burn scar can lead to flash flooding within minutes.
- Recognize the Warning Signs
- Weather Patterns: Thunderstorms often build over mountains, and dark clouds indicate heavy rainfall, which may cause flooding downstream, even if the rain isn’t falling where you are.
- Changes in Landscape: Cracks in the ground, unusual sounds, or sudden rises in stream water levels can signal that a debris flow is starting.
- Know Your Evacuation Routes: Identify safe paths to higher ground, and create multiple evacuation routes in case roads become impassable. Always have a plan for where to go if evacuation is necessary.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: When disaster strikes, being prepared can truly make all the difference. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can be crucial in how you and your household handle unexpected situations. Be sure to include items like:
- Water
- Food
- Flashlights
- First Aid Kits
- Extra Clothes and Shoes
- Battery Power or Hand Crack Radio
- Extra Batteries
- Don’t Wait: If you receive a flash flood or debris flow warning, take immediate action to evacuate. These events can develop rapidly, so early action is essential.
- Avoid Flooded Areas: Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. Just six inches of water can knock you over, and as little as a foot can carry a car. Always remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Flash flooding and debris flows are serious hazards in areas affected by wildfires. By staying informed, having an evacuation plan, and recognizing warning signs, you can protect yourself and your family from these unpredictable natural events. Stay resilient, stay safe, and remember that early preparation can make all the difference.
Building Cyber Resilience
Resilience, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.”
In cybersecurity, resilience is a foundational principle. The National Institute of Standards and Technology defines cyber resilience as “the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on systems that use or are enabled by cyber resources.”
Anticipating misfortune.
Cyber resilience means anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they escalate. One of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping systems current and patched. Patching involves updating software and systems to fix vulnerabilities or bugs, which helps reduce security risks and keeps everything running smoothly.
Patching a Windows computer is a relatively quick task, usually taking between five to 15 minutes, though some updates can take up to an hour. Larger systems, like application servers, typically require a bit more time—often one to two hours, and sometimes as much as eight to ten hours for more complex updates.
Taking this time for routine patching is well worth it when you consider the alternative. Recovering from a cyberattack can take far longer—on average, about 22 days, and sometimes several months.
Withstanding misfortune.
Even with regular patching, not all cybersecurity incidents can be prevented. In 2023 alone, cybercrime led to an estimated $12.5 billion in losses. Additionally, an automated patch recently released by CrowdStrike, which had not been properly tested in live environments, resulted in a worldwide outage. This outage led to an estimated $5.4 billion in losses, as reported by Parametrix. However, companies that had prepared multiple defenses fared better in handling the risks. In cybersecurity, this layered approach is known as “defense in depth.”
To improve your cyber resilience, make sure to regularly patch your devices and implement multiple layers of security. Resilience isn’t just about enduring tough situations – it’s about being prepared for them in the first place.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative that emphasizes the importance of protecting your personal information and staying safe online. With data breaches and cyberattacks becoming more frequent, this month is a reminder of the need to take precautions and adopt simple measures to secure our digital lives.
Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is joining Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in promoting the Secure Our World campaign. The initiative encourages all of us—whether at home, work, or school—to incorporate cybersecurity practices into our daily routines. Taking these small steps can significantly reduce the risk of online threats and protect your digital information.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By making online safety part of your everyday habits, you can stay protected and help create a more secure digital world for everyone.
Four Ways to Stay Safe Online
Building a safer digital future starts with us. By following these four simple actions, we can all become more secure online. Take a moment to share these tips with your family, friends, and community.
Passwords are your first line of defense. A strong password is long, random, and unique, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. To simplify the process, consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every account.
Passwords alone aren’t enough. Adding another layer of security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) greatly reduces the risk of being hacked. Enable MFA wherever possible, especially on important accounts like email, social media, and financial platforms.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or messages asking for personal information. Phishing attacks often aim to steal sensitive data or login credentials. If something seems suspicious, don’t respond or click on any links—report the phishing attempt and delete the message.
Software updates are crucial for maintaining security. Regular updates often contain critical patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Make sure your devices and apps are always up to date, and enable automatic updates whenever possible.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps can make a big difference. By taking action and sharing these tips with your family, friends, and coworkers, you can help create a safer online environment for everyone.
Prepare for the Great ShakeOut with Earthquake Safety Drills
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:17 a.m. local time, Idahoans will join millions worldwide in the Great ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever. This annual event is an important opportunity to practice life-saving actions like Drop, Cover, and Hold On—preparing all of us for the next big earthquake.
Whether you’re at home, work, school, or in a public space, everyone can participate. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages all Idahoans to take part, ensuring you’re ready when the shaking starts. The actions we take can prevent an earthquake from turning into a catastrophe.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
In most situations, if you feel shaking or receive an earthquake alert, take these life-saving actions:
- DROP: Get down on your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked over and helps keep you stable.
- COVER: Use one arm to cover your head and neck. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. If there’s no nearby shelter, move to an interior wall and stay low.
- HOLD ON: Stay in position until the shaking stops. If under a table, hold on to it with one hand in case it shifts. If no shelter is available, protect your head and neck with both hands.
Adapt to Your Situation
If you have mobility challenges, there are ways to adapt the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill to suit your needs:
- Using a cane: Sit on a chair or bed, cover your head and neck with your hands, and keep your cane nearby.
- Using a walker or wheelchair: Lock the wheels if possible, get as low as you can, and cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow. Hold on until the shaking stops.
For more detailed accessibility tips, visit EarthquakeCountry.org/accessibility.
Why Drop, Cover, and Hold On?
Experts and rescue teams agree that Drop, Cover, and Hold On is the safest action you can take during an earthquake. Alternatives like running outside, standing in doorways, or the so-called “triangle of life” are outdated and dangerous.
Research shows that you’re far more likely to be injured by falling or flying objects, such as TVs, lamps, or glass, than by building collapses. Practicing the Drop, Cover, and Hold On drill prepares you to act quickly and safely when the ground starts shaking.
What NOT to Do During an Earthquake:
- DO NOT stand in a doorway: Modern buildings don’t offer extra protection in doorways, and you’re still exposed to flying objects. Get under a table instead.
- DO NOT run outside: You’re safer inside. Running can cause falls or injuries from debris, and the outside of buildings is one of the most dangerous places during an earthquake.
- DO NOT believe in the “triangle of life”: This discredited method is not recommended by experts and could put you in danger.
Prepare and Practice
Earthquakes happen without warning, and you might only have seconds to react. Make it a habit to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On regularly, just like children do in school. The more you practice, the more instinctive your response will be during a real earthquake.
Help protect yourself and others by spreading the word about the importance of practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On. It’s a simple action that could make all the difference when an earthquake hits.
For more additional information on Drop, Cover, and Hold On drills, check out these resources:
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.
Cybersecurity Statistic of the Month: Password Complexity and MFA
Long before word processing, spreadsheets, and most recently artificial intelligence (AI), modern computers were designed to do math quickly. In 1965, Intel CEO Gordon Moore observed that every year the number of components per integrated circuit doubled. In 1975, this number was revised, doubling every two years. This has held true for every year from 1975 on. This is known as “Moore’s Law.”
Cracking a password comes down to a math problem. The table below shows recent statistics for password cracking using hardware commonly found in desktop computers based on complexity:
This highlights that using more characters and requiring numbers, upper- and lower-case letters and symbols makes it significantly harder to crack a password. It is why accounts are set to lock out after a number of password attempts.
Part of password complexity includes lock out triggers and lock out times. It is unlikely a user will type a password incorrectly five times and even less likely to do so in one second. Requiring a 15-minute time out after five consecutive incorrect password attempts increases the amount of time required to crack a password.
According to a Forbes study, 35% of people with stolen passwords say that a simple password was the cause of their problems.
The problem with reusing passwords
People come up with a single password they are comfortable with.
Seventy-eight percent reuse passwords and 68% who had their password stolen have to change it in multiple places.
The problem with using a single factor
What is a factor when it comes to multifactor authentication (MFA). A factor is a piece of evidence to get a computer, a network or an application to trust a user with information or privileges. Factors are broken out into three categories:
- Something you have. Examples include physical keys, a car fob, a badge, a bank card, a phone, and a USB token.
- Something you know. Examples include a password, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name.
- Something you are. Examples include facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprints, eye iris recognition.
From the Forbes study, 27% of credentials were exposed due to a company data breach and 21% were stolen through phishing attacks. Looking at the combination of cracked passwords, passwords that are guessed because of reuse, or passwords that are stolen, the value of additional factors becomes easy to see. This is why you need a PIN to access your bank account with your card.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, it’s clear that strong password practices and MFA are crucial defenses against unauthorized access. Simple passwords, reused credentials, and single-factor authentication can leave us vulnerable to attacks that can have serious repercussions. Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) urge everyone to adopt unique, complex passwords and integrate MFA to significantly enhance our security posture and protect sensitive information.
Take the next step today: review your current password practices, implement MFA wherever possible, and encourage your colleagues and loved ones to do the same.
Back-to-School Emergency Preparedness Tips
With a new school year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for families to review emergency preparedness. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages families to discuss potential disaster risks and the steps to stay safe if the unexpected occurs.
Have a Plan
Create or review a family emergency plan. If a disaster happens, knowing who to call and where to meet is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.
- Know who to contact: Pick one main contact locally and one contact out of town who may be easier to reach during a disaster. Make sure your kids know who it is and practice with them.
- Have an evacuation route and shelter plan: Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, or around town so you’re prepared for any situation.
- If you have pets or service animals, consider and research animal-friendly locations
- Review phone use: Make sure everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 911 for help. If your kids have cell phones, review how to send a text message during an emergency.
- Practice makes perfect: Regularly practice your emergency plan. Document it and make sure everyone in your family has a copy. Hold regular family meetings to review and update the plan.
Build and Update Your Emergency Kit
Keep enough emergency supplies on hand to survive on your own for several days. Be sure to pack essential items, such as water, nonperishable food, first aid, flashlight, cell phone and chargers, battery-powered radio, extra batteries.
- Consider specific needs: Remember to pack supplies that are specific to your daily living needs, such as prescription medication, eyeglasses and contact solution, infant formula, pet food, important family documents, and more.
Know School Emergency Plans
Understand the emergency plans in place at your child’s school. Contact your child’s teacher or school administration to learn about their plans for emergencies such as fires, blizzards, earthquakes, and more. Be sure to ask how the school will communicate with parents and guardians during emergencies.
- Inform the school: Provide the school with up-to-date contact information, backup medication for your child, and inform them of any special needs your child may have during a crisis or drill.
Utilize FEMA Resources
FEMA offers multiple resources to help make disaster preparedness fun and informative for the whole family.
- Play interactive games to learn about disasters.
- Access the Prepare with Pedro activity book.
- Start building your family communications plan.
- Serve your community and help take care of your school and home through the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Campus CERT programs.
By taking the time to plan and review, families can prepare their student to face an emergency with confidence. IOEM is dedicated to working together to build resilient communities as we head back to school!