Include Your Pets in Disaster Preparedness Planning

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Many pets were left behind to fend for themselves during the wildfires in California’s Calaveras and Lake counties resulting in serious injuries, death or disappearance.

This occurred because the fire came so fast many survivors had no time to save the animals.

“Pets are members of the family. You wouldn’t want to leave a family member behind during a disaster would you?” said Deputy State Coordinating Officer Charles Rabamad. “Having a plan and emergency kit for your pets is just as important as having them for your mother, father, sister or brother.”

With predictions of more severe weather and flooding this winter due to El Niño now is a good time to develop both a family and pet emergency plan. Here are some tips on what to include in your pet plan:

  • If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, ask your veterinarian about the possibility. Make sure your pet’s tags are up-to-date and fastened to its collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, its tag is its ticket home.
  • Make sure your pet’s immunizations are current and keep a copy of the veterinary records with you.
  • Take a photo of your pet and keep it with you for identification purposes.
  • Make a pet emergency kit. You should have enough pet food, bottled water and medications for three days. Also, pack cat litter and pan, manual can opener, food dishes, leash and collar, brush, blankets, a first aid kit and other supplies. A full list of items to include can be found online at www.Ready.Gov. Information also is available at www.Cal-cares,com and www.CDFA.ca.gov.
  • If you plan to shelter in place, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Put all emergency supplies in that room ahead of time, including your pet’s crate and supplies.

Include Your Pets in Emergency Planning

  • Consider checking with your local animal control agency or emergency management office now to determine if a pet-friendly shelter is available in your area. Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in disaster emergencies.
  • Make a buddy system with your friends or neighbors as a back-up emergency plan if you cannot care for your animals yourself. The buddy system will assure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

Those with larger animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs should also plan for these animals by:

  • Ensuring all animals have some form of identification.
  • Evacuating animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
  • Making sure vehicles and trailers for transporting animals as well as experienced handlers and drivers are available.
  • Ensuring destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.

Survivors can register for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Registration continues through Nov. 23.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 or @CAL_OES and facebook.com/CaliforniaOES and at Facebook.com/FEMA. For more information on preparing your pets for a disaster go to www.Ready.Gov.   The state program CARES also provides information on animal care and control in the event of a disaster or emergency. Find the agency online at www.cal-cares.com.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Include Your Pets in Disaster Preparedness Planning

FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week

CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures and bitterly cold wind chills continue to be in the forecast for much of the Midwest this week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures.

“Whether traveling or at home, subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “FEMA continues to urge people throughout the Midwest to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe.”

During cold weather, you should take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
• Dress in layers and keep dry;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
• Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.
• If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and stay on main roads.

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455

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FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week

Remember Pets When Planning For Emergencies

LINCROFT, N.J. – For many households, there is an extra element to account for when making plans for disasters – the family pet.

Pets are an important part of many households and their unique needs should be taken into account, as they are particularly vulnerable when a disaster strikes, particularly one that requires evacuation or relocation. They are unlikely to survive on their own if left behind, and if they do, they could run away and be difficult to find afterwards.

 “A pet needs the bare necessities during a disaster. These include food for a few days, one gallon per day of water, medical records and medication, and leash and collar,” explained Kathy Johnson, Director of the Bergen County Humane Society. Pets’ basic needs are similar to those of humans:

  • Water: A minimum of a week’s worth of water for each pet.
  • Food: A minimum of a week’s worth of food. Keep canned or dried food in airtight containers. Include a manual can opener. Food should be changed every six months.
  • Shelter: A pet may require a personal carrier or cage, which should be big enough for your pet to stand and move around in.

You can create a pet disaster kit with a first aid kit and pet first aid guide book, which can be bought at any pet store or online. Your pet’s medicine and medical records can be kept in the first aid kit and kept up to date. Other important documentation, such as adoption papers, vaccination records, feeding schedules, behavior issues and your veterinarian’s contact information, should also be kept in a waterproof bag or container.

Not all emergency shelters allow pets, so pet owners need to know what their other options are if they need to evacuate. Ask family and friends that live outside your area if they might be willing to take your pets until you return, or just to check on them if something happens when you are not home. A kennel or your veterinarian’s office could have the resources to board your pet if you have to evacuate.

Another option is hotels and motels that allow pets during emergencies. Some websites that have information on these hotels and motels are: BringFido.com, DogFriendly.com, DogInMySuitcase.com, Pet Friendly Hotels & Motels, PetsWelcome.com and TripsWithPets.com. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as the possibility of evacuation comes up.

Bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys and comfort items to help him stay calm and reduce stress. Have some sanitation items such as cat litter, litter box and scoop, trash bags, newspaper and paper towels. Also consider taking a picture of you with your pet. In case you get separated, you can show what your pet looks like. You will also have proof that it is your pet if he’s found.

Pets should have some form of identification on them. The simplest way is a regular collar tag, which should have the pet’s name, your name, address and phone number on it. A waterproof pouch containing identification information can be attached to the collar.

The other common identification method is a microchip implanted underneath the animal’s skin with all of its information on it. A veterinarian or an animal shelter can perform the procedure, but the chip also has to be registered. For confined animals, such as birds, reptiles and small mammals, identification should be kept on the cage.

Birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians require special care, especially during a disaster. Birds can be transported in a covered carrier and then moved to a regular cage. They should be kept in a quiet area. You will need a plant mister to keep the bird cool, a hot water bottle to heat the cage, materials to line the bottom of the cage, and necessary dietary supplements.  

Reptiles can be transported in a cloth sack, such as a pillowcase, or a regular carrier. Upon arrival, immediately transfer the reptile to a secure cage. If possible, have the reptile defecate before transporting by soaking it in a shallow water bath. Also, have a water bowl for soaking, spray bottle for misting, heating pad, appropriate handling supplies, extra bags and newspapers, and dietary supplements.

Fish and amphibians can be transported in watertight plastic bags or ventilated plastic containers. Terrestrial or semi-aquatic amphibians only require a small amount of water. Moistened paper towels, clean foam rubber, or even moss will suffice. Fish and aquatic amphibians need plenty of water. The bag should be at least one-third full, then inflated with air and closed. Using water from your pets’ normal living space will probably reduce physiologic stress. It is recommended to monitor the water, temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrition while your pet is at the shelter.

All of these animals should be kept away from heavy traffic areas, loud noises, and vibrations. All carriers should be escape-proof. Birds need to be fed and given water on a daily basis. Feed your fish, reptile or amphibian on its regular schedule if you can.

For more information on preparedness for your pets, visit www.ready.gov.

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http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

 The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications

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Remember Pets When Planning For Emergencies

FEMA Urges Vermonters To Remember Pets In Disaster Plans

WILLISTON, Vt. – You’ve made an emergency plan and set up a phone tree for your family members to call during a disaster. You’ve even put together a disaster kit with water, food, a flashlight and portable radio.

But have you planned for what you’ll do with your dog or cat if a flood or other disaster strikes?

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging people to remember their pets as they make plans to cope with an emergency.

“For many of us, a pet is a beloved family member,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “As you are taking steps to ensure your family’s safety, don’t forget that emergencies affect animals as well.”

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.

Whether you stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets but bear in mind that what’s best for you is usually what’s best for your animals.

“Vermont has the highest rate of pet ownership in the nation at over 70 percent,” said Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer James McPherson. “That means most Vermonters need to think about their needs as well the needs of other family members.”

While many emergency shelters will not permit pets inside, officials still advise against leaving them behind if you are forced to evacuate, instead urging people to make alternative arrangements.

“If you evacuate your home, you should bring your pets with you,” Landry said. “Pets will find it difficult to survive alone, and even if they do you may not be able to locate them when you return.”

Pet owners should keep a photograph of themselves with their pet both to establish ownership and assist in efforts to locate the pet, and may wish to consider having a microchip implanted in their animal to make identification easier. A collar with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device can also assist in locating a pet after a disaster.

For more information, check out: www.ready.gov/caring-animals

“Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners” Video- (closed captioning & ASL)

http://youtu.be/aUbSF_S20bE

Follow us: @Readygov

Email us: ready@fema.gov or citizencorps@dhs.gov

Order publications: call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585

Monthly Preparedness text messages: Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to receive monthly

preparedness tips. (msg/data rates apply)

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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FEMA Urges Vermonters To Remember Pets In Disaster Plans

Creating A Disaster Preparedness Plan? Don’t Forget Your Pet

LINCROFT, N.J. — Family disaster preparedness plans are a good thing to have in place. But many such plans often overlook important loved ones – the family pet.

Whether you decide to stay home or evacuate to a safer location, advance plans for pets are essential to keeping the family unit intact. Plan how you will evacuate and where you will go.

Public shelters may not allow pets. Perhaps family or friends may be willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include a hotel or motel, a boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital. It’s important to determine your options before an emergency happens.

The steps below can help keep animals safe and a loving part of the family if disaster strikes:

  • Find shelter for your pet – Never evacuate without the family pets because they rarely survive on their own. Make sure there is a predetermined place the family and pets can go in the case of an evacuation because not all shelters allow pets.  If you plan early enough, some pet shelters will make reservations for pets.
  • 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.
  • Create a pet emergency kit – Along with an emergency preparedness kit for your household, it is also a good idea to create one for your pets. Some items to include are:
    • A pet first-aid kit with all pet medications
    • Enough food to last up to a week, stored in an airtight, waterproof container
    • At least three days of water specifically for the pets
    • Toys to occupy pets
    • A collar with ID tag, harness or leash
    • Important documents such as copies of registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container
    • A crate or other pet carrier
    • Sanitation supplies, which may include litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household cleaner
    • A picture of you and your pet together in case of a possible separation during an emergency – you may need help in identifying your pet

For more information on how to taking care of pets in an emergency, visit the animal care page on www.ready.gov. The site also provides tips about caring for large animals and how to care for pets during and following a disaster.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Creating A Disaster Preparedness Plan? Don’t Forget Your Pet

New Jerseyans Should Include Pets in Their Preparedness Plan

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages New Jerseyans to include their pets as they update their emergency plans.

For millions of animal owners, pets are important members of the household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire, flood, tornado or terrorist attack could depend on emergency planning done today. Knowing what supplies to have available, how to evacuate with your pets, where your pets will stay and how you will meet your pets’ needs throughout the disaster are all critical questions to address.

All pet owners are urged to keep a pet emergency supply kit, which should include at least a three-day supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container, drinking water, bowls for the food and water, current photos of you and your pets together, physical descriptions of each pet, medication, vaccination records and first aid pet supplies. Also include a leash and a pet carrier that can double as a sleeping area. You should consider comfort items for your pets as well, such as their favorite toys and blankets.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure 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 pets’ emergency supply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet your buddy in an emergency.

Evacuating pets may be more difficult if you cannot evacuate in your own vehicle. Pet owners must understand their community’s evacuation plans and ensure they are prepared for any variations and restrictions. If officials call for an evacuation, you should be aware that many evacuation shelters do not accept pets and you must plan where you’ll shelter your pets in advance. Many hotels, motels, campsites and other facilities around the country now allow pets. For information on pet-friendly accommodations in your area, visit ready.gov/caring-animals.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the NJOEM website at state.nj.us/njoem, Ready.gov or Listo.gov or call the toll-free numbers 1-800-BE-READY, TTY 1-800-462-7585 and     1-888-SE-LISTO. You can also text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) and sign up to receive monthly disaster safety tips on your mobile phone.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema,

and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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New Jerseyans Should Include Pets in Their Preparedness Plan

FEMA Corps Helps Young People Prepare

TRENTON, N.J.–In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy the Federal Emergency Management Agency implemented a program to help children understand the importance of preparation for future disasters. The program, FEMA for Kids, is presented by FEMA Corps members to elementary schools throughout New Jersey.

FEMA Corps is a new partnership between AmeriCorps and FEMA. Members, ages 18 to 24, help in the aid of disaster response and recovery. After Superstorm Sandy, teams were deployed to New Jersey to assist with recovery efforts and provide FEMA registration and preparedness information in communities throughout the state.

Through FEMA for Kids, elementary school students learn how to create a family emergency plan, assemble a disaster supply kit, and take care of pets during and after a disaster. The “art expression zone” encourages kids to express their feelings and thoughts about recent experiences with disasters through drawings and crafts.

FEMA has integrated FEMA for Kids in New Jersey’s affected communities, visiting 21 different schools, giving 28 presentations, and attending two community events to promote disaster awareness so far. Since its implementation, FEMA Corps members have reported having positive responses from the children and teachers, especially from the “art expression zones”.

Following the success of the FEMA for Kids program in New Jersey, FEMA Corps members created and developed the FEMA Connect program targeted to high school audiences. With numerous schools interested, FEMA Connect has grown from an idea to an active program. FEMA Corps has presented at one event and has more scheduled for May.

The objectives of the program are much like FEMA for Kids except it is geared towards an older age group. Students learn how to establish a family communication plan and how communities plan, respond to, and recover from disasters. In order to relate to and involve high school students, the program uses an emergency management scenario involving a fictional town and real life issues that may arise during and after a major storm event. The students are asked to give input on what families should do to prepare/react and how emergency managers should plan and respond for the disaster. FEMA Corps members are also there to answer any questions the students may have on how to get involved in their communities via volunteer agencies.

For more information on how to properly prepare for disasters, about the Ready Campaign or FEMA for Kids visit www.ready.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Corps Helps Young People Prepare

Emergency Preparedness for Kids: Never Too Early

SAN JUAN, PR – What happens if there is an emergency and your children are not around? Will they be ready? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages families to have their children prepared for an emergency as early in their childhood as possible, making them smarter and more resilient as well as enhancing their opportunities to survive and help their communities recover faster from any type of disaster.

“Engaging children in the emergency preparedness process will automatically give them a sense of security and inclusion in such an important task. They will benefit from knowing what their family plans are and how things should work during this type of event, which can be a scary situation for them,” said FEMA’s Caribbean Area Division Director Alejandro De La Campa. “Kids can assist their parents when putting together an emergency kit and by taking care of the pets. It’s very important that they understand their roles in the family emergency plan.”

Every family needs an emergency communications plan that includes a list of phone numbers of key contacts to reach during an emergency; these can be written down in a piece of paper or card, for quick action. The list should include an out of town emergency contact that every family member can reach to inform where and how they are and when they will be able to reunite. Children should always keep a copy of this list in their belongings, such as school bag, luggage, sports bag and emergency kit.

During the upcoming vacation period, if kids will spend time in a summer camp, make sure you know the facility’s emergency procedures and adjust the family plan accordingly.

Another main component of any family emergency plan is an emergency kit. This should include enough supplies for at least three days, such as: Water, canned food, can opener, battery operated radio and additional batteries, first aid kit, flashlight, clothes, blanket, whistle, and any prescribed medicine. Kids can include personal items, such as their favorite toy or game.

Don’t forget that pets are part of the family and should be included in the emergency plan. Children can help by gathering enough pet food and water for at least three days; food should be kept in a waterproof container. Pets should wear a collar with a name tag and an extra collar should be included in the kit. If you haven’t done so already, consider acquiring a pet crate which is a safer to transport your pets. Do not forget any prescribed medicines, toys and supplies to clean up after the pet, such as; plastic bags, paper towels or newspapers. 

Seek additional disaster preparedness information and identify hazards that may impact those places where your family spends most of their time and get ready now. Involve your children, practice your emergency plan frequently and talk about emergency preparedness. Learn more about emergency preparedness and how to improve your community resiliency to emergency situations by visiting www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov.

FEMA News Desk (787) 296-3554, (787) 296-3560

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Emergency Preparedness for Kids: Never Too Early

FEMA Implements FEMA For Kids Program

TRENTON, N.J.–The Federal Emergency Management Agency has implemented its FEMA for Kids program for pre-to-middle school children in New Jersey.

FEMA for Kids is an interactive, educational program that advocates disaster preparedness to children ages 4-11, in areas that have been affected by a disaster.

In schools and other community-based programs, FEMA teaches children how to prepare for and respond to disasters. Children learn how to create family emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits and care for their pets in the event of an emergency. The program is presented in an engaging and fun environment.

The program helps children understand their recent experiences by discussing words they might hear after a disaster, such as “emergency,” “shelter” and “evacuation.”

FEMA for Kids also provides the children an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns about Hurricane Sandy by creating art.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialists and FEMA Corps members are scheduled to present this program at more than 20 New Jersey schools and community-based programs this April.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. 

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Implements FEMA For Kids Program

Be Prepared, All Year Long

Duluth, Minn.  – September is National Preparedness Month, a great time to organize and update your emergency plans and supplies. Disasters can happen with little or no warning.  If   you currently don’t have supplies on hand, now is the perfect time to prepare so you can care for yourself and family before, during and after any emergency.

You can start by planning for the types of disasters that can happen in the area where you live. Create a personalized emergency plan and kit based on the requirements of your family. For example, if you have infants, you will need to include items such as diapers, formula and a few toys in your kit.  And don’t forget to include your pets when making your emergency plans.   

Being prepared in case of an emergency does not have to cost a lot of money. Make a checklist of the most important items your family will need.  Next, budget emergency preparedness items as a normal expense. Shop the sales and use coupons when you can.  Try to buy one item from your list each time you go to the grocery store.  The reward of knowing you are prepared before disaster strikes makes it all worthwhile. 

It’s also important to remember you need to be prepared for all seasons. FEMA has many tools to help you plan, including videos and social media links. The following are just a few examples:

Winter is just around the corner, which can bring many types of unforeseen weather emergencies.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6746

Spring weather is always unpredictable. Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can occur without much warning.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/7626

In the summer, weather conditions may seem perfect for outside activities everyone must be aware of dangerous health issues related to extreme heat and high humidity.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/8966

Most people spend a lot more time on the road than they realize so no matter what the season.  An emergency kit for your car should be part of your emergency plan.

www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5546

Pre-planning will help you and your family better survive a disaster. For more information and ideas, log on to www.ready.gov. And remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information: www.facebook.com/fema, www.twitter.com/fema.

 

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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Be Prepared, All Year Long

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