

A FEMA Corps member talks with a young child about emergency preparedness. (Photo courtesy of FEMA/Steve Zumwalt)
“National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that we all need to prepare for disasters and emergencies,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Region V Administrator. “Plan in advance so your family knows what to do if a disaster strikes: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different emergency situations.”
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
For more information about how to be ready for severe weather visit http://www.ready.gov/, or our Spanish site at www.listo.gov.
It’s simple to start planning for emergencies: download the Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids on Ready.gov/make-a-plan and fill out the sections before printing it or emailing it to your family and friends.
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