Prepare for an Emergency

There is no way to know for sure when the next flood, fire, flu pandemic (pandemic means a global outbreak), terrorist attack, or other public health emergency will happen. Take steps today to make sure you and your family are prepared.

Here’s what you can do:

• Get an emergency supply kit.
• Make a family emergency plan.
• Be informed.

Are you ready? Take this quiz to find out.

Taking steps today to prepare for an emergency will help you and your loved ones stay safe.

By putting together an emergency supply kit and a family emergency plan, you will have the tools you need to better care for your family if disaster strikes.

Everyone should have a plan. Don’t wait—get ready now.

Get an emergency supply kit.

Gather supplies like water, medicines, and blankets. Keep your emergency supplies together in a backpack, bag, or easy-to-carry container.

Print out this emergency supply kit checklist [PDF-208KB] to get started. Make sure your kit includes:

• At least 3 gallons of water for each person.
• Food for at least 3 days. Choose foods that don’t need a refrigerator, like canned fruit, peanut butter, and crackers. Get tips for keeping food safe during an emergency.
• Prescription medicine that you take every day, like heart or diabetes medicine.
• A first aid kit to treat cuts, burns, and other injuries. Find out what you should have in your family’s first aid kit.

Make a plan.

It’s important to make a plan in case your family is not together when disaster strikes. Print out this Family Emergency Plan. [PDF-645KB] Sit down together and fill it out. Consider a plan where each family member calls the same friend or relative if there is an emergency.

Be informed.

Learn about the different types of disasters that could happen where you live and decide how you will take action. First, you will have to decide whether to stay put or get away. It’s a good idea to plan for both possibilities.

• Learn how to shelter in place. Shelter in place means that you take shelter wherever you are—at home, work, school, or in between.
• Understand quarantine (kwar-en-teen) and isolation. This means keeping sick people (or people who might be sick) away from other people to prevent the spread of disease.
• Find out if your community has an emergency response plan. Get more information on government organizations and resources in your area.

What do you want to do today?

Start to gather supplies for an emergency supply kit. [PDF-208 KB]

Sit down with your family tonight and make a family emergency plan. [PDF-645 KB]

Find emergency preparedness resources in your area.

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