• Get a Kit
• Make a Plan
• Be Informed

Let’s start with the first step. The Red Cross challenges everyone to: Get a Kit.  Have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit, with additional supplies on hand.  Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months.  

• Water.  Have at least one gallon per person per day. 

• Food.  Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc.  
• Flashlight:  Include extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit:  Include a first aid references guide.
• Medication.  Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.
• Radios.  Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.
• Tools.  Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
• Clothing.  Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
• Personal items.  Remember copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance polices, birth certificates, passports, etc.; eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and comfort items likes toys and books, if pertinent.  
• Sanitary supplies.  You may need toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
• Money.  Have cash.  ATM and credit cards won't work if the power is out.
• Contact information.  Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are overloaded.
•  Pet supplies.  For each pet, include food, water, collar and leash/cage/carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, and medications and vaccination information.
• Map.  Consider marking an evacuation rout on it from your local area.

• Click here to see a more complete list.

  The second step is: Make a Plan.   Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live.  Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.  

  • Choose two places to meet after a disaster.
  • Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas.  
  • Tell everyone in the household where emergency information and supplies are kept.  
  • Practice evacuating your home twice a year.  
  • Include your pets.  If you must evacuate, take your pets with you.  .