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:
- Water and food for several days
- Clothing to keep you warm and dry
- Cell phone and charger
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Small cooler and hand warmers to keep electronics warm
- First Aid Kit
- Local maps
- Whistle to signal for help
- Wet wipes and plastic baggies
- Personal protective equipment (masks)
- Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can Opener
- Baby and toddler essentials for little ones