Community Preparedness Resources

Disaster preparedness

Disaster preparedness engages residents, families, and neighborhood leaders in interactive discussion and activities on what it means to be ready for any emergency. 

Being prepared is vital for staying safe and weathering any emergency. We encourage that everyone create and review their disaster or emergency preparedness plans, to build resilitent homes, businesses, and communities. It's important to know which disasters could affect you and your family and how to create a plan that considers the unique needs of your family and pets.

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Make a plan

Review your plan every six months and ensure your family knows what to do as well. Practice any fire drills or evacuation drills on a regular basis. Restock any food or water supplies, checking expiration dates. Test smoke alarms, be aware of recharge dates on fire extinguishers, and check battery expiration dates. 

Business preparedness planning

Businesses are an essential part of how quickly a community can recover after a disaster. Learn how to protect your business before disaster strikes.

  • Know what risks threaten your property by speaking with your local building official, city engineer, or planning administrator.
  • See FEMA's guide, Protect Business Records and Inventory Securely anchor large equipment, bookcases, file cabinets, propane tanks, etc. Install latches on drawers and cabinet doors. 
  •  Use flexible connections on gas and water lines. 
  •  Develop a plan and train your employees on what to do if a disaster were to occur.

Pets and animals

Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected follow these tips with your pets in mind:

  • Make a plan.
  • Build an emergency kit. 
  •  Stay informed.

Older adults

Older Adults may have specific needs before, during and after a disaster. Ensure you make a plan and are prepared during any emergency.

People with disabilities

Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters. Learn more with Ready.gov.

Action checklist - Prepare before disaster happens

BUILD A KIT

Emergencies can happen without warning, so have an emergency kit prepared.

Utilities

Know when and how to turn off water, gas, and electricity to your home. Make sure your family members or caregivers also know this information. If you need specific tools to turn off your gas or water, make sure they are easily accessible and located near the valves. Only turn off utilities if you suspect damage or leaks.

Fire extinguisher

Check and make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date and easily accessible. Recharge or replace fire extinguisher as directed on the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarm & Carbon monoxide

Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide devices once a month, replacing batteries at least once a year or as needed. Keep devices clean of dust or cobwebs and never paint the alarms. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

Insurance coverage

Homeowners insurance generally doesn't cover flood damage. Talk with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate coverage. Ensure you are current with your policy and understand your risks.

First Aid/ CPR & AED

Take first aid or CPR/ AED classes through the American Red Cross.

Respond and mitigate during an emergency

Mitigation-reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters (FEMA). Although some hazards cannot be prevented, there are still several opportunities to reduce the impact on life, property, and your environment. During an emergency it is important to remain calm. When you think clearly, you can respond appropriately. Learn how to identify your risks and eliminate hazards if possible.

Shelter

Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Depending on the event, your shelter could be different. It is important to know the nature of the disaster and be informed about the various sheltering options. If sheltering isn’t an option, be prepared to evacuate. Grab your important documents, medications, pets, and any other important items if you have time.

Stay in a safe area until danger passes. If flooding occurs, don’t walk in water above your ankles and don’t attempt to drive in flood waters.

If you have a portable radio, listen to it for important updates and/ or instructions. Radios should be battery or crank powered.

During an emergency you should have a contact person, who is outside of the affected area. This person is someone you will contact and let them know where you are, if you are safe, and how to contact you. Make sure all household members know how to reach your contact person and limit non-emergency phone calls if possible; to minimize network congestion and conserve batteries.

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