Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. The National Weather Service and Wisconsin Emergency Management urge every family to develop a family disaster plan.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere - at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity, or telephone—were cut off?
Put together a family disaster plan that answers those questions - and practice it.
Essentials For Your Go Bag
- List of your Emergency Contacts, including a phone number for an out-of-state contact
- Three-day supply of medications, and copies of your prescriptions
- List of personal medical information and medications, including any drug and/or food allergies
- Bottle of water
- Snacks (that will not spoil)
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries (for flashlight, hearing aids, etc.)
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle, horn, beeper or other device to signal for help
- Photocopy of personal identification (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
- List of model and serial numbers of any personal assistance equipment (pacemakers, hearing aids, communication devices, scooter, wheelchair, batteries, etc.
- Assistive items needed for eating or drinking (spoons, straws, etc.)
Additional Items
- Pictures of your family/friends to have with you if you must be away from home
- Personal memento/comfort item (stuffed animal, book, etc.)
- Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses (with cleaning solution), and/or other vital personal items
- Small battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Dust mask
- Protective goggles
- Small amount of cash, including coins for payphones
- Extra set of keys to house, car, etc.
- Personal hygiene and toiletry products
- Moist towelettes and assorted sizes of re-sealable plastic zipper bags (for storing food, waste, etc.)
- Change of socks and undergarments
- Any other items you need on a daily basis