Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is a critical aspect of preparedness. It can save you time when seconds matter, and help you remember what to do in an emergency, which important items to take, and how to find safety.
Having a plan for different types of emergency situations is important. The first step is to find out what types of emergencies to plan for. It’s important to look ahead and plan for potential disasters and emergencies that can impact your area. Severe weather, power outages, human-made events, and more.
When planning ahead for your household it’s important to consider the following:
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs including devices, medications, and equipment
- Pets and/or service animals
- Different ages and needs of members in the household
Planning ahead also means creating a kit to have necessary supplies on hand in the event of a disaster or emergency. You kit should include items for all household members, including food and water, flashlights, first-aid, and other items. View a full list of emergency kit recommended items here. Other locations to have an emergency kit are in your car, as well as your place of work, and anywhere else you spend a lot of time.
Once you have your plan in place, don’t forget to practice it! Make sure all members of the household know the plan and what their role is.