How to Make an Emergency Preparedness List

Natural disasters, fires and other emergency situations can be scary, and it's not easy to refrain from panicking under disaster conditions. It's best not to rely on memory and common sense in an emergency, when stress and panic both have a way of getting the best of you. Having an emergency preparedness list on hand can go a long way toward helping you keep a level head and increase your chances for safety and survival when frightening situations occur.

Things You'll Need

• FEMA emergency preparedness checklist
• Phone book with government listings

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Instructions

• 1

  Download the emergency preparedness checklist from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website.

• 2

  Contact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management agency. Ask the following questions: What type of disaster tends to happen in your area? What should you do to prepare for that type of disaster? How will you be warned when a disaster is imminent? What are the evacuation routes for your area? If applicable, what type of evacuation assistance is available for the elderly or disabled?

• 3

  Draw a floor plan of your house or apartment building. Use this plan to identify safe places to hide during a severe storm, safe zones during an earthquake and escape routes in a fire. Meet with your family to discuss these safe zones and develop a plan for each type of emergency.

• 4

  Make a list of which supplies you will need during each type of emergency. Include basic needs such as water, a change of clothes, flashlights and batteries. If you have pets, be sure to include provisions for their needs.

• 5

  Compile a list of emergency contacts. Include doctors, emergency management agencies, and family members or friends who will need to be notified if something happens to you. For pets, include contact info for veterinarians and animal rescue agencies.