It's National Preparedness Month 
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Date Published

What does that mean? It means making a plan before a disaster or emergency strikes so you can better protect those you love. Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan. Take the time this month to review or create your plan! 

Use this list to come up with a plan for your family.  

  • Discuss with your household or family how you will communicate if there is an emergency. 

  • Decide and practice your emergency plan with members of your household. 

  • Houses, mobile homes, apartments, and high-rise buildings have different evacuation considerations. Make a plan for each.  

  • Involve your entire family, including your children, in planning for disasters and emergencies, so they are prepared, not afraid. 

  • Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. 

  • Drills aren't just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly.  

  • Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. 

  • Get familiar with your child's school evacuation & reunification plans. 

  • Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list and see how many items you can check off! 

Build a kit

  • Create or update your emergency supplies with this list.

  • Make sure your emergency kit is ready to go in case you need to evacuate. Include: 

    • Enough food and water to last several days. 

    • Medication, face masks and disinfectant for everyone in your household. 

    • Pet supplies. 

  • When building a kit, people with disabilities should consider the items they use daily, as well as life-sustaining items.  

  • Have medication for at least three days in your emergency supplies. 

  • Check the expiration date on your emergency supplies, and replace any old items.  

  • Get the kids involved in building their own emergency kit.

  • Include your child's favorite stuffed animals, board games, books, or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster. 

Resources

  • Kids, parents, & educators, visit the Ready Kids web pages in Spanish. 

  • Need tips for talking to your kids about natural disasters? Find them here.

  • Kids can become Disaster Masters with this @Readygov preparedness game.