Emergency Preparedness - Where to Begin?        

Disaster Preparedness - Emergency Preparedness

 Get an Emergency Preparedness Kit

  • Build an Emergency Kit
  • Build a Bug Out Bag
  • Create an Emergency Binder
  • Purchase a First Aid Kit
  • Select a secure and easy to find location to store your items

Learn Safety Skills

Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan

Get Disaster Preparedness Supplies

  • Create a food stockpile
  • Create a stockpile of needed medications
  • Create an emergency cash stockpile (For information on how to prepare your finances for a natural disaster click Here)
  • Purchase a generator or solar charger
  • Purchase self defense items such as pepper spray, a knife, a shotgun, rifle, handgun, and ammunition

Practice Disaster Preparedness Regularly

  • Develop training drills and practice them regularly
  • Stay up to date on First Aid training
  • Practice self defense techniques
  • Regularly visit the shooting range


Disaster Preparedness - Bug Out Bag Checklist


What to Put in Your Disaster Preparedness Bug Out Bag?

  • Water: 1-3 quarts per person
  • Water bottle
  • Water treatment method: Such as a filter, water purification tabs, etc.
  • Tent or tarp
  • Sleeping bag, bivvy bag, or emergency blanket
  • Survival food: Such as protein bars or MREs
  • Fire starter
  • First aid kit
  • Self-defense weapon: Such as a firearm or pepper spray
  • Hygiene kit: Such as toothbrush and paste, baby wipes, TP, feminine items...
  • Change of clothes
  • Rain jacket
  • Brimmed hat: To protect your eyes from sun and rain
  • Boots
  • Survival knife
  • Paracord
  • Heavy duty work gloves
  • Face mask or gas mask
  • Emergency light: Such as a headlamp, flashlight, chemical lights...
  • Emergency radio
  • Vital Documents
  • Cash: At least $50 is recommended
  • Compass
  • Maps: With evacuation route marked
  • Waterproof cover and/or dry sack
(Optional Items)
  • Camping stove and cook set
  • Crowbar
  • Lock picking set
  • Pocket saw
  • Sewing kit
  • Survival guides
  • Spare glasses and glasses case
  • Folding shovel
  • Trash bags
  • Spare batteries
  • Charging kit: Such as a solar charger for phones and batteries
  • Duct tape
  • Hand warmers
  • Comfort and personal items: Such as toys for kids, playing cards, a book


Emergency Preparedness - Creating an Emergency Binder


Emergency Binder Contents

Financial Documents
  • Copies of the fronts and backs of debit/credit cards
  • Copies of house and car titles
  • Copy of your will or living trust
  • Names, addresses and phone numbers of all banks
  • Other important documents related to employment and/or a family business
  • Copies of your insurance policies (life, health, auto, homeowners, etc.)

For information on how to prepare your finances for a natural disaster click here 

Personal Documents
  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of relatives and close friends
  • Copies of:
  • Marriage license
  • Birth certificates
  • Drivers licenses
  • CCW permits
  • Pet vaccine records
  • Passports
  • Social Security cards
  • A list of firearm serial numbers
  • Legal documents pertaining to child custody or adoption
  • Recent photos of each family member and each pet
  • Color photos of your house and each room in the house
  • Photos of anything of particular value
  • Military documents
  • Diplomas and transcripts
  • Appraisals

    Medical Documents
    • Copy of health insurance cards
    • A list of blood types for each family member
    • Names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors
    • Medical histories of each family member
    • Immunization records
    • A list of current prescriptions, dosage, and pharmacy contact information
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