Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan

When disaster strikes, clear thinking is often the first thing to go. Taking time to map out a strategy now turns potential panic into organized action, ensuring you, your family, and your pets remain safe.

4 Steps to Household Preparedness

• Meet and Discuss: Sit down with your household to define your emergency alerts system, shelter options, evacuation routes, communication plan, and supply kit needs.
• Assess Specific Household Needs: Tailor your plan based on ages, medical/dietary requirements, disabilities, spoken languages, and caretaking responsibilities.
• Document the Plan: Fill out an emergency plan form with critical contacts, meeting locations, and medical details so everyone has a physical or digital copy.
• Practice: Run periodic drills with your household to ensure everyone knows the evacuation routes and procedures.

Get Tech-Ready

Leverage your devices to stay connected and informed when traditional infrastructure fails:

• FEMA App and SMS: Download the FEMA app for alerts across five locations, or text PREPARE to 43362 for preparedness tips (text SHELTER + ZIP code to find open emergency shelters).
• Smart Communication: Stick to text messages, group chats, or social media updates during crises—they use less bandwidth than phone calls when networks are congested.
• Power Management: Keep devices fully charged before severe weather, lower screen brightness, use low-power mode, and keep portable power banks in your home and vehicle.
• Digital Backups: Scan vital documents (IDs, medical records, insurance policies) to a password-protected cloud or flash drive and keep contact lists synced.

Protect Your Pets and Livestock

If you must evacuate, never leave your pets behind. Plan ahead to keep animals safe and stress free:

Pet Evacuation and Logistics

• Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters: Many emergency shelters do not allow animals, so map out pet-friendly hotels or out-of-town friends in advance.
• Microchips and IDs: Keep microchip details updated and ensure collars have clear contact tags.
• Carrier Training: Leave carriers open in common areas with treats and familiar blankets so pets associate them with safety rather than stress.

Kit Type Essential Contents

• Shelter-in-Place Kit. Make sure to have a multi-day supply of food/water, regular medications, grooming/sanitation supplies (litter, trash bags, bleach), and familiar comfort items/toys.
• Evacuation Kit. Prepare a lightweight, portable pack with food, water bowl, leash/harness, medical records, a photo of you with your pet (to prove ownership), and a sturdy carrier.

Large Animals and Livestock

• Ensure all animals have clear identification and map out secondary routes for trailers.
• Evacuate large animals early to avoid hazardous driving conditions.
• Secure destinations equipped with adequate food, water, and veterinary support beforehand.

Staying informed through Wireless Emergency Alerts, the FEMA app, and local officials is your best defense. Prepare your plan today so you can act with confidence tomorrow.