It is important that we take steps to prepare our families to stay healthy and safe during any emergency. This may be a natural disaster, like a tornado, wildfire or flood, a long-term power outage, or a health emergency like the COVID pandemic. No matter the situation, you can get yourself ready to meet the challenge. 

Be Informed

Know where to get the most current and reliable information about the emergency as it approaches, arrives and leaves so you do not have to rely on rumor. 

• • • Federal government websites like gov, and Centers for Disease Control’s emergency preparedness offer tips, resources and tools to help your family prepare.
    • For weather emergencies, sign up for a weather app that has emergency alerts for your area. Another smartphone tool is Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). WEAs are sent by authorized government agencies to your phone during an emergency.
    • Get information about local or regional emergency and crisis resources. Organizations like your local Red Cross or county government will know where you can find assistance after a disaster.

Make a Plan  

Now is the time to start protecting the people and things that are most important to you by creating a plan for emergencies. Share your plan with your family and your child’s caregivers. This is easily done by taking a picture of the final version on your phone as well as your other devices and keep hardcopies in case there is a power outage in your area.

• • • List Contact Information: including phone numbers, email and street addresses, extended family members, your child’s doctors and other medical providers, preferred hospitals and school personnel.
    • Create a Care Plan: This document has your child’s medications, doses and time taken, equipment and necessary supplies, and the name and phone numbers of any medical suppliers.
    • Make an ID Card: For younger children, children who are non-speaking, or unable to communicate, make an identification card with their name, parent’s name and cell phone numbers. Then be sure to put a copy in their backpack so it’s always close. You can also buy a bracelet or other wearable device with this identification.
    • Decide on a Place to Meet: In case you get separated, discuss a place to meet and a person to call. For example, in case of a house fire, all family members know to evacuate the house and meet at the end of the driveway and call grandma if you don’t see everyone.