Emergencies and disasters can happen any time but taking some simple steps now to improve your preparedness can help ensure that you and your family know what to do and how to stay safe during an emergency. This includes creating a family emergency plan that includes your unique needs and having a stocked emergency kit on hand.

The Department of Homeland Security offers the following tips to help you get started:

Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan regularly.

Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly and update your kits and supplies as needed.

Prepare for Disasters

To limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family, know the risk of disasters in your area,  check your insurance coverage and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

Additional resources:

https://www.mass.gov/be-prepared-for-emergencies

https://www.mass.gov/know-plan-prepare