Resolve to be Ready for Emergencies

Make a Resolution

  • Make an emergency plan: choose a safe place to meet, learn evacuation routes, and establish an out-of-town contact.
  • Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
  • Get to know your neighbor and invite them to be a part of your emergency plan.
  • Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place or online.
  • Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies.
  • Take a class in CPR and first aid.
  • Keep and update emergency supplies; remember to include cash.
  • Have back-up power sources available to charge devices in case of a power outage.
  • Snap pictures of your property for insurance purposes.
  • Check your insurance for coverage on disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
  • Sign up for alerts and warnings. Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters.
  • Save for a rainy day! Start and grow your emergency fund.
  • Financially prepare for the New Year. Find out how with the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
  • Spend within your means. Use a personal budgeting worksheet to help plan for holiday expenses and beyond.
  • Build up your savings. Put a small amount in your account the first of every month beginning January 1.

Get Tech Ready

  • Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters.
  • Sign up to receive text or email alerts about emergencies from your local Office of Emergency Management.
  • Download money saving apps to help you save for a rainy day.
  • Have external power sources available to charge phones and other devices in case of a power outage. #ResolveToBeReady #PrepTips

Preparedness Tips

  • Include cash in your emergency supply kit. During an extended power outage, ATMs and credit card machines may not work.
  • Check-in with neighbors to see how you can help each other out before and after a storm.
  • Pick an out-of-town person for everyone to contact during an emergency.
  • Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as having a conversation over dinner. Make a plan tonight.
  • As part of your family’s emergency supply kit, include games and toys to keep children entertained.
  • Get prepared by having an emergency supply kit already stored. #ResolveToBeReady www.ready.gov/kit
  • Snap pictures of your property and make an inventory for insurance purposes.
  • 30: The number of days it takes for flood insurance to begin. The time to buy is when it’s dry.
  • If you rely on public transportation, contact your local emergency management agency about evacuation procedures before a hurricane.
  • Make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
  • Prepare your car for winter: keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Make a plan to check on neighbors if extreme cold or winter weather knocks out your power.
  • Learn how to shut off the utilities where you live, including water, electricity, and gas.
  • #PrepTips: Take a first aid and CPR class. #ResolveToBeReady www.ready.gov/safety-skills
  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans! www.ready.gov/evacuation #ResolveToBeReady
  • Assemble supplies for a “go-bag” you can carry if you need to evacuate #ResolveToBeReady #PrepTips www.ready.gov/evacuation
  • Make a portable emergency kit for your car #ResolveToBeReady www.ready.gov/car
  • Save. Save. Save. Your emergency savings can help you get life-saving items like food, shelter, and water in an emergency. Saving tips: www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness #FinancialFuture
  • 48% of people have an emergency fund, which gives them the savings to overcome simple emergencies. www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness #FinancialFuture

Planning with Pets

  • Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster. #ResolveToBeReady #PetPreparedness www.ready.gov/pets
  • Search online today for local pet-friendly evacuation locations in case you need to evacuate.
  • Update your pet’s microchip registration info so you can be contacted if your pet gets lost in a disaster. #ResolveToBeReady #PetPreparedness www.ready.gov/pets
  • Put your name and contact information on your pet’s ID tag in case you’re separated in an emergency. #ResolveToBeReady #PetPreparedness www.ready.gov/pets
  • Remember to include your pets in your family’s emergency plans