Tips for keeping a safe home

• Water – 3 gallons per person in small, easy open bottles
• Several flashlights – Keep by your bed and around the house as electricity might go out
• One week supply of medicines (rotated regularly) with instructions for use – dosage, frequency, doctor’s name, and phone. Post this information on your refrigerator under the heading “EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS”
• First Aid kit
• Shoes under the bed – to protect feet from broken glass, windows, lamps, etc.
• First extinguisher – know how to use it!
• Smoke alarm – Check the battery once a year. If you have difficulty hearing, consider a flashing light alarm
• Battery-operated radio or TV – to listen for information about the disaster
• Whistle or loud bell – to attract attention
• Wrench to turn off gas – for use only if gas is smelled
• Garbage bags – for personal waste​

Other Important Things You May Need

• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food – canned food and juices, dried fruit, crackers, etc.
• Manual can opener – electricity may not be available
• Extra eye glasses, hearing aid, mobility aids, etc. – in case of equipment damage
• Extra blankets – if electricity goes out, you may not have heat
• Dry goods – toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, personal hygiene supplies
• Pet food and extra water for your pet(s) or service animal

Other Good-to-Have Supplies

• Rubber or heavy gloves, broom, etc. – to clean up broken glass
• Duct tape, masking tape
• Cash – banks may be closed

SERVICE ANIMALS AND PET OWNERS

Make sure that I.D. tags and licenses are current.

Have an animal care plan – who will care for your pet if you are evacuated? Pets, unlike service animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters.

Be prepared to function without assistance from a service animal - identify alternate mobility cues.

Assemble your service animal’s emergency kit - water bowl, extra food, etc.