Without a doubt, many of our friends, families, and neighbors are turning their attention toward getting a fresh start in the new year. It remains important to “Resolve to be Ready” in 2022 by creating family emergency plans and emergency kits.
After a year of dealing with the effects of the pandemic, many Pennsylvanians could easily be feeling burnt out. But, having a plan and following it is the single, most effective way to ensure the safety of our loved ones.
Have a Plan
To create an emergency plan, you should:
- Identify locations in both your community and in a nearby town, where you can meet loved ones
- Identify an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with
- Text or use social media to let others know you are safe and where you are
- Have hard copies of lists of phone numbers and other important information such as doctor’s offices as well as copies of important documents
- Practice your plan just like you would a fire drill
Have a Kit
A basic emergency kit should include enough basic supplies to support yourself and your loved ones for at least three days.
It should include:
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Vital medical supplies, hearing aid batteries or other medical equipment and mobility devices you may need
- Specialized items such as baby supplies and pet care products
- First aid kit
- Hand-crank or battery-operated flashlights and radio
- Car cell phone chargers or battery pack
- Special toys or supplies to keep children and pets occupied and busy
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is also a good practice to add these to your kit:
- Extra masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes
Learn More
Additional resources, including emergency plan templates and emergency kit checklists, are available online at ready.pa.gov.
We also encourage social media users to follow PEMA at facebook.com/PEMAHQ and @PEMAHQ on Twitter for timely emergency preparedness information.