Personal and Family Preparedness

Emergencies and disasters affect communities at the individual and family level, and so preparedness efforts need to start there.

Find out what the hazards and threats are in your area and in your home:

Is your home in a flood zone, or in an area where wildfires, winter storms, or earthquakes could strike?
Do you use a computer or smartphone, or operate a vehicle?
Other possible sources of danger
Talk to your neighbors and other long-time residents as well as your local county emergency manager about what has happened in the past

Consider the following parts of a comprehensive preparedness plan:

First-aid kit, fire alarms, fire extinguisher, and basic safety skills
Financial preparedness plan and Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
Evacuation Plan with a 72-hour kit (Go-bag, Bug-Out-Bag, etc.), including pets and animals
Communications plan
Carry adequate insurance and document property
Prepare for power outages that may affect your home, neighborhood, or a large area
Conduct practice drills and help others in distress
Build up your emergency stockpile at home so you can survive for 2 weeks