Emergency preparedness
This page contains information and plans to help my household prepare for emergencies such as power outages, severe weather, fires, evacuations, extended utility interruptions, and other unexpected events. It includes emergency contacts, supplies, evacuation plans, important documents, and recurring preparedness tasks.
Emergency Contacts
| Contact | Name / Organization | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | Police / Fire / Ambulance | 911 | For immediate emergencies |
| Local Police – Non-Emergency | Example Police Department | (555) 555-0100 | Non-emergency assistance |
| Building Management | Example Property Management | (555) 555-0140 | 24-hour emergency line |
| Electric Utility | Example Electric Company | (555) 555-0150 | Report outages |
| Gas Utility | Example Gas Company | (555) 555-0160 | Report suspected gas leaks |
| Emergency Contact | Jane Smith | (555) 555-0185 | Lives approximately 10 miles away |
Emergency Meeting Locations
- Primary Meeting Location
- Location: Front entrance of the neighborhood library
- Use When: We must leave the home but the immediate neighborhood remains safe.
- Secondary Meeting Location
- Location: Example Community Center, 100 Main Street
- Use When: The immediate neighborhood must be evacuated.
- Out-of-Area Location
- Location: Jane Smith's home
- Notes: Used if an extended evacuation is necessary.
Evacuation Plan
If evacuation becomes necessary:
- Take phones, wallets, keys, medications, and emergency bags.
- Turn off appliances if it is safe and time permits.
- Close and lock doors and windows.
- Follow instructions from emergency authorities.
- Use the primary evacuation route unless it is unsafe.
- Notify the household's out-of-area emergency contact.
- Do not return home until authorities indicate that it is safe.
Notes:
- Keep the vehicle at least one-quarter full of fuel.
- Keep a paper regional road map in the vehicle.
- Do not rely exclusively on GPS during a widespread emergency.
Emergency Supply Kit
Food
Keep several days of shelf-stable food that can be eaten with little or no preparation.
Examples:
- Canned beans
- Canned vegetables
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Protein or granola bars
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Canned tuna or chicken
Also keep:
- Manual can opener
- Disposable utensils
- Paper plates, paper towels
- Trash bags
Lighting and Power
- LED flashlights
- Replacement batteries
- Battery-powered lantern
- USB power banks
- Charging cables
- Car USB charger
Communications
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Mobile phones
- Portable battery packs
- Printed emergency telephone numbers
- Paper and pens
First Aid
Contents include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Sterile gauze
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Cold packs
Review expiration dates periodically and replace used supplies.
Fire Preparedness
The following items help us prepare for fires.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Locations:
- Hallway
- Bedrooms
- Living area
- Utility area
Testing Schedule: Yearly tasks
Fire Extinguishers
- Kitchen: ABC-rated extinguisher near kitchen exit
- Garage: Utility area
Check periodically that extinguishers are accessible and their indicators show that they are ready for use.
Fire Escape Plan
- Identify at least two ways out when practical.
- Keep exits unobstructed.
- Never use an elevator during a building fire.
- Meet at the designated outdoor meeting location.
- Once outside, do not return to the building.
Power Outage Plan
During an extended power outage:
- Use flashlights instead of candles when possible.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Disconnect sensitive electronics if appropriate.
- Use portable battery packs for essential communications.
- Check utility outage information.
- Never operate a gasoline generator or combustion appliance indoors.
- Never use an outdoor grill indoors for heating or cooking.
Refrigerator and Freezer
Avoid unnecessarily opening refrigerator or freezer doors during an outage.
If food safety is uncertain after a prolonged outage, follow current government food-safety guidance rather than relying on appearance or smell alone.
Important Documents
Keep secure copies of important documents where they can be accessed following an emergency.
Examples:
- Personal identification documents
- Insurance policies
- Home or renter's insurance information
- Vehicle insurance
- Emergency contacts
- Medical information
- Property inventory
- Important financial contact information
- Pet information
- Lease, mortgage, or property records
Emergency Cash
Keep a modest amount of cash available because electronic payment systems and ATMs may be unavailable during an extended outage.
Include some smaller denominations.