Disaster Checklist for Families

Update Emergency Kits with Children in Mind:

• Comfort Items - Include items such as a stuffed animal, doll, pacifier or blanket in the emergency kit to help provide young ones some comfort during or after the disaster.
• Personal Hygiene - Keep extra baby wipes, feminine products, diapers, nursing pads, etc. as you may not have readily available access to these items for a period of time.
• Children's Activities - Think of items like age-appropriate books, puzzles, games to help keep children entertained.
• Infant Nutrition - Include items like nursing supplies, formula, pre-packaged baby food in the emergency kit.
• Medical Needs - Children have different medical needs than adults. Make sure to include items such as infant / child fever reducer, rash ointment.

Before a Disaster Happens:

• Identify a Family Meet-Up Spot - Pick a safe spot to meet if separated such as a local school or library.
• Identify an Out-of-Towner - An Out-of-Towner is a family contact who would not be affected by the disaster and could provide assistance after the disaster.
• Update Your Phone’s ICE - Cell phones should have "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) programmed into their contacts. This can be accessed by first responders even if the phone is locked.
• Remember to Text - During or after a disaster, cell service or internet may be limited. Text messages can often get through, even when a phone call can't.

Once your family is out of harm’s way, children can still be frightened or confused. Here are some tips to help them feel safe again:

• Limit TV Time - Intense media coverage of disasters can frighten young children and disturb teenagers as well.
• Listen - Find out your child's concerns about the situation.
• Provide Comfort - Let them know their safety is your top priority.
• Be Aware - Changes in sleeping, eating and other behaviors can indicate distress. Seek professional support and counseling if they persist.
• Make Time - Help kids understand they're safe and secure by talking, playing and other family activities.
• Keep Calm and Carry On - Your child will learn how to deal with these events from you.
• Care - Make a point of showing sensitivity toward other families impacted by the disaster.
• Create / Return to a Routine - Help your children return to normal activities including school, sports and play groups.
• Volunteer - Helping others can give your child a sense of control, security and empathy.

For more information on preparing children for emergencies please see: FEMA’s Ready Kids

Plan for What YOU Would Do During an Emergency:

The reality of a disaster situation is you will likely not have access to everyday conveniences. To plan in advance, think through the details of your everyday conveniences. If there are people who assist you on a daily basis, list who they are, and how you will contact them in an emergency. Create your own personal support network by identifying others who will help you in an emergency. Think about what modes of transportation you use and what alternative modes could be available. If you require handicap accessible transportation be sure your alternatives are also accessible. For every aspect of your daily routine, plan an alternative procedure. Make a plan and write it down. Keep a copy of your plan in your emergency supply kit and a list of important information and contacts in your wallet. Share your plan with your family, friends, care providers and others in your personal support network.

Emergency Supply Kit:

Include medications and medial supplies in your emergency supply kit. If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what your need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week. You should also keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If it is not possible to have a week-long supply of medicines and supplies, keep as much as possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers with your area and the areas you might evacuate to. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage.

Additional Items:

In addition, there may be other things specific to your personal needs that you should also have on hand. If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen, be sure you always have extras in your home. Also have copies of your medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards readily available.

For more information on preparing children for emergencies please see: FEMA’s Older Adults

Prepare a Pet Preparedness Kit:

• Food and Water - Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets.
• Medicines and Medical Records - Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes in a waterproof container. Place copies of your pet's registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container
• First Aid Kit – Include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, Isopropyl alcohol and saline solution.
• Collar with ID Tag, Harness or Leash – Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet's emergency supply kit. Consider permanent identification such as microchipping in case your pet gets lost.
• Pet carrier – If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you, provided that it is practical to do so. Have a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet.
• Sanitation – Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet's sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners.
• A Picture of You and Your Pet Together - If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
• Familiar Items - Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Create an Evacuation Plan:

• Plan how you will gather your pets and have a plan for where you will go during an emergency. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your animals may not be allowed inside. Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type of animals in your care.
• Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route.

Develop a "Buddy System":

• Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet's emergency supply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in your neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet in an emergency.

Gather Contact Information for Emergency Animal Treatment:

• Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society, SPCA, and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet's emergency supply kit. Obtain "Pets Inside" stickers and place them on your doors or windows, including information on the number and types of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency.