Before an Emergency: Build a Kit and Make a Plan

Being prepared for an emergency doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Local emergencies rarely give us much time to prepare. A severe storm, a fire, or any other unexpected event can suddenly disrupt our environment and the routines we depend on. Without warning, our access to shelter, food, safe water, medications, and transportation can be impaired for extended periods, threatening our well-being.

Fortunately, being prepared does not have to be complicated or expensive. Two of the most important things every household can do are to build an emergency supply kit and develop a family emergency plan.

Start With an Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency supply kit contains basic items your household members may need if utilities or other local services are unavailable, or if you need to leave home quickly.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends keeping enough basic supplies to help your household manage for at least several days. A basic emergency kit should include:

• Water—at least one gallon per person per day for several days.
• Nonperishable foods that are easy to prepare.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• NOAA Weather Radio, if available.
• Basic first aid kit.
• Necessary medications and medical supplies.
• Manual can opener.
• Cellphone chargers and backup power sources.
• Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies.
• Copies of important documents and emergency contact information.
• Cash in case electronic payment systems are unavailable

You don’t have to purchase everything at once. Start with what you already have and add a few items during regular shopping trips. Place these supplies in a tote or other container that you can access quickly. Periodically check your kit and rotate or replace food, medications, batteries, and other supplies as necessary.

Make the Kit Fit Your Family

Every household is different, so your emergency supplies should reflect the people and animals who live in your home.

Families with infants or young children may need diapers, formula, feeding supplies, and comfort items. Older adults and people with medical conditions or disabilities may need additional medications, medical equipment, batteries, or backup power supplies. Don’t forget food, water, medications, carriers, leashes, and other necessities for pets.

Think about what members of your household normally need during an average day. Then consider what you would need if electricity, water, transportation, stores, pharmacies, or other services were temporarily unavailable.

Make and Practice a Family Emergency Plan

Supplies are only part of preparedness. Your family should also know what to do and how to communicate during an emergency.

Discuss where you would go if you needed to evacuate your home and identify a safe meeting place in case family members become separated. Make sure everyone knows how to contact one another and consider choosing an out-of-town contact who can help family members reconnect if local communication is disrupted.

Parents should also talk with children about emergency plans in an age-appropriate way. Knowing in advance what to do and where to go can make an unfamiliar situation less frightening.

Once you have a plan, review and practice it occasionally. Update it whenever phone numbers, medications, family circumstances, or other important information changes.

Preparedness Brings Peace of Mind

We cannot prevent every emergency, but we can take steps to be better prepared when one occurs. The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to create an emergency kit and talk through a family disaster plan to help turn uncertainty into action.

National Preparedness Month (September) is an excellent time to get started. Gather a few supplies, sit down with your family, and discuss what you would do if an emergency affected your home or community. A little preparation today can make a meaningful difference when you need it most.