How to Prepare Your Family for Disasters
Disaster preparation may seem overwhelming, but don't worry – the experts have prepared excellent advice to get you started on protecting your family.It can also seem scary to think about potential disasters, however, experts have found that planning can actually help reduce anxiety. In addition, planning now can help reduce the impact of any disaster that might come.
The experts recommend that you keep a disaster kit with supplies for three days and that you develop a plan of action and practice it with your family.
The links below will help you put together your kit and make a disaster plan.
- A Family Preparedness Guide (pdf) - Michigan State Police
- Are You Ready? - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Preparing Makes Sense: Get Ready Now (pdf) - U.S. Department of Homeland Security
If you or a member of your family have a disability, here are some more tips.
- Disaster Planning for People with Disabilities - FEMA and the American Red Cross
If you have children, this website from FEMA may be helpful tool.
- Ready.gov Be a Hero! - FEMA
For special advice on protecting your finances in the event of a disaster, read
- Financial Preparedness - Ready.gov
Don't forget your pets! They have special needs. The link below will help you prepare a special kit and plan for the non-human members of your family.
- Disaster Preparedness for Pets - American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)