Emergency and Health Services Division

Family and Home Emergency Preparedness

Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure; and kids' responses can be difficult to analyze. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions. You can be their biggest influence! 

When possible, try to make disasters less traumatic for you and your family by openly discussing the plans for your family. The more familiar you are with your plan, the easier it will be to respond and recovery from an emergency. 

Work together to build an emergency kit and make sure everyone knows the location and contents of the family kit.

Sit down as a family to talk about your communications plan: Where will you meet? Who is your out of state contact? Will the kids attempt to come home? Do they know critical information for you and your household?

Role-play what you would do during a disaster.

Hold regular fire, earthquake, and power outage drills in your house. This can be a discussion or a simulated evacuation for your home!

Seniors and Persons in Assisted Living

Make note of any special assistance you may need, and include all of this information in your emergency plan. Share this information with trusted friends and family.

Create a support network of family, friends, and others who can assist you during an emergency. Share your disaster plans with these trusted members and practice your plan with them.

Make sure someone has an extra key to your home, know where you keep your emergency supplies, and how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.

If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers.

Refill medications. Try to maintain a minimum 5-day supply of your prescriptions.

If you have a communication-related disability, note the best way for responders to communicate with you (e.g. if you cannot speak, provide written guidance or pictures).

Keep extra batteries for hearing devices.

If you receive Social Security, sign-up for direct deposit to maintain financial stability

Persons with Disabilities / Access & Functional Needs

How do you prepare your pets for an emergency?

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for your pet’s survival, particularly food, water, identification, and housing. 

Have 3-5 days’ supply of food and water available at all times in small containers

Have your pet's medicine and medical records

Maintain ID tags, harnesses or leashes: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.

Place copies of your pet’s registration information and vaccination documents in your kit.

Sanitation: Have an extra supply of bags, newspapers, towels, and household bleach for the disinfecting of surfaces and your pet’s sanitation needs.

Put your pet's favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet. Pets need familiarity, and disasters can produce pet anxiety.

A picture of you and your pet in case you are separated during the emergency.

Have cages/ portable housing available. Not all shelters can take pets. Seek out “Pet Friendly” Shelters.