Individual and Household Preparedness Resources

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for as long as two weeks. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days. We're encouraging you to be two weeks ready for anything.

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, internet or even your cell phones may be cut off for many days. You may even have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.

Downloadable Resources

• Preparing yourself or your household brochure (PDF)
• Downloadable OK/Help Card (PDF)

Three Steps to Preparedness

Know your Hazards & Reduce Risk	Make Plans	Gather Supplies
Individuals and families who know the hazards where they live, work, learn, and play can take specific actions to help them survive during and after a disaster.	Having plans in advance for how to communicate, evacuate and reunify with your loved ones will help lessen the stress of disaster, reduce injury and even save lives. Consider talking to schools, workplaces, assisted living facilities and other places you frequent to know their emergency plans.	Every household should have a go-bag for each family member/pet and at least two weeks worth of supplies at home.

Preparedness is a journey

Preparedness is a journey. Start where you are today and prepare over time. Go at a pace that works for you!

Prepare in a Year

Use this guide to take a step every month for the next 12 months to Prepare in a Year.

Prepare Your Pets

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. Unfortunately, animals are also affected by disaster. 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 decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans for your pets. Keep in mind that what's best for you is typically what's best for your animals.