Plan and Prepare
Plan.
Discuss with your family what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Planning ahead now will help everyone be better prepared.
Prepare.
Make an emergency kit before a disaster with basic items your family may need during or after an emergency. Make sure everyone knows where to find it.
Stay Informed.
Know the hazards where you live. Have a way to monitor severe weather. Register for Haywood Alerts to receive emergency notifications wherever you are.
Build Your Family’s Emergency Kit
Items everyone should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day. for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (several day supply, non-perishable)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Extra Batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust Mask (to filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
Additional items to consider:
- Masks (for everyone ages 2 and up), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes
- Prescription medications (and copy of actual prescription)
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, laxatives, allergy medications
- Eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes
- Pet food and water
- Small amount of cash
- Important family documents (insurance policies, IDs, bank account records) in waterproof container
- Sleeping bag or blanket for each person
- One change of clothes and extra outer layer, sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Waterproof matches
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene
- Mess kit โ plates, cups, cutlery
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, kids activities
Winter Emergency Kits:
