Personal emergency preparedness

Natural disasters and other emergency situations are unpredictable and unexpected, so the best defense is planning ahead.  Every household should have a disaster supply kit and a thorough emergency plan, but preparedness also means knowing how to cope DURING an emergency situation when you cannot access information or services. We suggest printing the articles below that could possibly pertain to you, and keeping them in a household emergency kit.

Advance preparation

• Guide to Preparing a Disaster Supplies Kit (PDF)
• Family Disaster Plan template (Word doc)
• Tornadoes 101 - what you need to know
• Family and Community Preparedness (FEMA)
• Family Disaster Plan (FEMA)
• Prepare a safe room (FEMA)
• Why you need insurance if you rent rather than own your home
• Storing water for emergencies
• Three day emergency food supply

Coping with an emergency (general)

• Evacuating safely (North Carolina State Univ. Extension)
• Safe Drinking Water in an Emergency  
• Power Goes Out  
• Preparing Meals Safely  
• Check, Disinfect Wells after Disaster  
• Messages for helping children during a time of crisis  
• Recognizing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  
• Safety Tips for Stand-by Power Generators  
• Electrical/Heating Equipment Safety   (CPSC)
• Sizing & Safety Tips for Standby Power Generators Stalled ... but Safe (North Dakota State Univ.)
  Information on winter driving, what to do when you're stranded, wind-chill factor, dressing for the weather

Flood preparation

Coping with severe winter weather

• Missouri Families: Coping with Disaster
• Preparing Vehicles for Winter Weather
• Winter Safety After an Ice Storm (SEMA)
• Safe Shoveling Tips Heat Safely with Alternative Fuel Heating Systems (North Dakota State Univ.)
• Dehydration in the Winter: Elderly At Risk

Coping with severe summer heat

• Beat the summer heat
• Coping with hot weather
• Exercising in the heat

Updated 12/12/07