There may be many people who count on you every day There may be many people who count on you every day. When a disaster happens, you may not be with them. There are things you can do now to make sure they will be better prepared in a disaster, even if you can’t be with them. Taking small steps now can help you be prepared even if you are not at home when disaster strikes.

Make sure emergency procedures are in place for your workplace or school. Give emergency kits to people who count on you (college students, elderly parents, etc.). Know how others in your community will respond in a disaster.

Talk to administrators at your child’s school about their plans. Ask your employer about emergency plans for the building where you work. Talk to administrators at your child’s school about their plans. Industrial park – hazardous materials releases Rivers, lakes, oceans – floods, hurricanes Railroad tracks – hazardous materials release, derailment Wooded areas – wildfire Nuclear power plant – radiological release Steep slopes – landslide, avalanche Stress that disasters can happen anywhere. 92% (check number) of all Americans live in areas that are prone to disasters, but no one is disaster proof. Floods can happen anywhere, including deserts and neighborhoods far from rivers and lakes when heavy rains flood streets and open areas faster than they can drain.

Make sure evacuation and tornado shelter locations are clearly marked on maps in the building. Know where fire extinguishers and Automatic External Defibrillators are located (and learn how to use them). Volunteer to help with emergency training and drills. Help create a facility emergency kit.

Make sure to get input from others in planning for emergencies at work or school. Especially include people with disabilities or who don’t speak or read English well. It’s important that emergency plans will work for everyone.

Here are some items to consider for a facility emergency kit: Flashlights Reflective flags or signs to indicate emergencies or relocation sites

An accountability system should also be part of a facility emergency kit. It should include: A way of identifying who was in the building at the time of an incident A way of indicating who got out safely and who may still be inside This will be very valuable to first responders when they arrive on scene.

For more information about making emergency kits see November’s Do 1 Thing factsheet: Emergency Supplies.

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Not everyone is able to put together an emergency kit for themselves, or to develop emergency plans. A kit will be more useful if you work with the person as you put it together and talk about what each item is and how it could be used.

Think about the person’s specific needs. Can they carry the kit if they need to? If food is included, can they open and prepare it without assistance in a disaster? Does it meet their unique needs? (Medication list, information about special diets, emergency tools they are able to use)

Talk to your college student before they leave about: How they will stay in touch in a disaster How their school notifies students of emergencies on campus What is in their emergency kit and when and how it should be used

Kits for college students should be small enough to fit in the space they have available. Put it in a bright colored or reflective backpack or other container so that it can be easily found when needed.

Talk to your insurance agent to find out if your policy covers your student’s belongings while they are at school. Make sure your student knows where to find emergency healthcare that is covered by your insurance near their school.

Police, fire and emergency medical responders have an important role. When disasters happen, everyone is effected and everyone responds in some way or another. Police, fire and emergency medical responders have an important role. Understanding what they are going to do (and not do) in a disaster will help you make better plans for yourself and your family or coworkers. Picture of a gluten-free care package sent to a food bank in Joplin, MO following the 2011 tornado.

Ask your local emergency manager or fire or police department to review emergency plans for your facility. Most counties and some cities and townships have their own emergency managers. Your state emergency management office should be able to tell you how to contact your emergency manager.

Many communities have volunteer groups who help in emergencies: American Red Cross Salvation Army CERT Police and fire auxiliaries VOAD Find out

Every household is different Every household is different. There may be pets, infants, seniors, or special health needs. It can be hard to remember all of the things you need if you have to leave home quickly. Taking time now to plan for your family’s unique needs can make a difference in a disaster.

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