Emergency Preparedness: Getting Ready

Monthly Feature Archive

The minds and hearts of people across the globe have been occupied with the devastation suffered by Haitians since the earthquake on January 12; donations of time, money, and other resources have poured in from around the world. When a disaster of this magnitude occurs, our human vulnerabilities become terribly evident; and yet, our strengths as individuals, as communities, and as nations also shine through as we band together to aid those in need.

National and community service programs engaged in disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery can use this time to revitalize their projects and recognize their participants and volunteers. It’s also an opportunity for families and businesses in our nation to build awareness about our own hazard risks and to promote behavior that fosters public preparedness.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends how to get started in your emergency planning and preparations at the website www.ready.gov.

Video: FEMA: For the town of Palo, Iowa, little things make a big difference in flood protection.

For additional information, video download links, and a transcript of this video, please visit the FEMA in Focus website.

 

Basic Emergency Planning: Families

  1. Build a kit
    When preparing for a possible emergency situation, begin by thinking about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. Make sure you and your family members have an emergency preparedness kit that will last at least three days.
  2. Make a plan
    Your family may not be together during an emergency, so it’s important to have a plan. How will you contact one another, and how will you get back together? What will you do in different situations? Gather information about the kinds of disasters (natural and man-made) that are most likely to occur in your area, and about how you would be notified. Also inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time, such as work, daycare, and school. If no plan exists, consider volunteering to help create one.
  3. Be informed
    Different types of emergencies might occur in different geographic areas. The decisions you make and the actions you take will vary depending on where you live and the type of emergency. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government and be informed.

Basic Emergency Planning: Small Organizations

  1. Plan to stay in business
    When performing business continuity planning for hazards or natural disasters, know the kinds of emergencies that might affect your area, and then carefully assess how your organization functions, both internally and externally. Prepare by considering first the basics of survival: food, water, shelter, warmth, and clean air. Also take care to prepare for the most common medical emergencies.
  2. Talk to your people
    When making a plan, talk to your employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Perform drills and exercises to get clear on established processes. Be detailed about how you will be in touch with employees and clients during and after a disaster situation, and be sure to consider any individuals with special needs.
  3. Protect your investment
    Other steps can be important in safeguarding your investments and securing the physical assets of your business, such as insurance coverage. Your plan should consider how to handle utility disruptions, an assessment of the building’s HVAC system, and measures to protect organizational data and information technology systems.

Establishing emergency plans and procedures will help your family, your business, your community — and our nation — stay safer, stronger, and better prepared in the face of disasters or hazards.

Resources

Use these materials and tools to learn more about disaster preparedness and response and to create an emergency plan for your home, business, or volunteer program.

Video

Effective Practices Collection

Online Courses

Online Publications and Websites

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