In September each year, the Federal Emegency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds us we can prepare to face an emergency and protect our homes, family, loved ones and neighbors. Since 2004, the Emergency Preparedness Month campaign encourages Americans to take the small steps that make a big difference.
This year’s theme “Stand Ready” reminds us of the importance of thinking ahead; not just for facing an emergency, but to create community resilience.
Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Now is a great time, as part of Emergency Preparedness Month, to learn the steps to making a plan that could mean your family’s safety and security in times of emergency.
Here are some tips and links from Ready.Gov, national public service campaign managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, helping you know how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and natural disasters.
As our Asheville Fire Department knows, preparation can be the key to weathering the storm.
Step 1: Meet with Your Family
Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
- How will I receive local emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Step 2: Assess Your Household Needs
As you prepare your plan, customize your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss how people in your network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or other needs. Consider the following:
- Different ages of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Locations visited frequently
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
- Languages spoken
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
- Households with school-aged children
Step 3: Document Your Plan
Create your family emergency plan quickly and easily using our fillable form.
Make a Family Emergency Plan. Use this form to fill out information that can help your family be prepared. Include important info such as household information, names and contacts of family members, meeting places and medical information.
Step 4: Practice Your Plan
Practice your plan with your household.