Think about the ways that you, your family, your friends and other loved ones can depend on each other during an emergency. By talking about these issues now, making a plan, and picking up some basic supplies, you and the people you care about are more likely to get through the storm safely.
- Start a Conversation. It's important that you know who you are counting on in an emergency and who is counting on you. For some people, that's pretty obvious - parents know that young children depend on them and spouses probably already know that they are in this together. But sometimes who you can count on isn't so obvious - particularly for groups of friends or people without family in the area. So take some time to think about who you are counting on - and who is counting on you - for support during a hurricane. Then take some time to talk with them and make sure you are on the same page.
- Get Your Kids Involved: Involving your kids in a disaster planning now can help them cope with a disaster when it happens. If you have little ones, check out Sesame Street’s Let’s Get Ready! Planning for Emergencies and Ready Wrigley. Have your older kids help you plan for a Zombie Apocalypse and they’ll be better able to deal with a real emergency.
- Protect Your Furry Friends: Plans and kits aren’t just for people. Be sure to consider the unique needs of your pet and take steps to keep them safe, like making a plan and a kit, getting your pet microchipped, being ready to find a shelter that accepts pets, and understanding pet food safety issues.
- Plan for Older Adults: Older adults often have special needs in disaster, including mobility issues, dependence on medications or other special needs. Not sure what to plan for? Get started with our Disaster Preparedness Planning for Older Adults guide.
- Gather Information and Stay Connected: Knowing the unique hazards of where you live will help inform your planning and preparedness priorities; you can also sign up for state-based alerts to stay connected with state and local authorities.
- Make a Disaster Plan and Gather Supplies: Before the storm strikes, build or update your emergency kit and make a plan. Be sure that your plan covers communication, sheltering in place, and evacuation. Know what to do before, during and after the storm.
- Create or Update your Digital Kit: When a disaster strikes, your phone may be the best tool you have to
stay informed and contact loved ones. Get your phone ready for hurricane season with critical information and apps that will help you stay connected with loved ones and help you stay up to date on situation.
- Practice Your Plan: Having a plan is good, practicing your plan is even better!
