Virginia Department of Health Offers Preparedness Tips
National Preparedness Month is a reminder that now is the time to prepare your family for an emergency. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy and well during an emergency.
Make a Plan
- Discuss with your family what you will do in an emergency.
- Designate the safest place in your home to shelter in place.
- Know your evacuation route.
- Print a communication plan with all the important phone numbers.
- Speak to your healthcare provider(s), about your specific needs and how to meet them during an emergency. Pharmacists are also good resources.
Build a Kit
- Put together an emergency kit for your family with supplies for three to five days.
- Make sure you include medications and first aid supplies in your kit.
- Don’t forget to pack emergency supplies for your pet.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded.
Stay Informed
- Sign up for alerts and notifications from your local government.
- Sign up for FEMA text messages text alerts from FEMA or Download the FEMA app.
- A NOAA weather radio provides warnings of severe weather and other emergencies.
- Make sure you know the differences between watches, warnings, and advisories.
- Learn how to prepare for a variety of disasters with the FEMA’s disaster information sheets.
Disasters can be costly, but preparing for them doesn’t have to be. Check out the Ready.gov Guide to Low and No Cost Preparedness.
Your local health department is also a great resource to keep your family healthy and safe during an emergency.