It's Emergency Preparedness Week: know your risks!
Emergency Preparedness Week is from May 7 to May 13. It’s the perfect time to know your risks, make a plan, and have a kit ready.
We're all at risk of weather-related emergencies, especially as we experience more climate-related events. Extreme heat and cold, flooding, storms, wildfires, and power outages can affect everyone.
You can respond quickly to help yourself and others if you:
- Make an emergency plan.
- Have an emergency kit.
Plan your household's response to emergencies. Get everyone in your home to help develop then practice the plan so you can execute your plan safely.
In your emergency plan, be sure to:
- Create a separate evacuation plan and practice it.
- Note the location of the fire extinguisher and how to shut off gas and water valves.
- Note how and when to call 911.
- Include any phone numbers you'll need.
There are 2 reasons for having a kit:
- To be prepared for evacuation, or
- To be prepared to shelter in place.
Your emergency kit should:
- Prepare your household to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
- Be in an easy-to-carry bag like a backpack or duffle bag.
- Be updated on a seasonal basis.
- Contain necessities for household members and pets.
- Be kept in an accessible place, such as the hall closet, where everyone can find it.
