Preparedness

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is vital to being able to evacuate or shelter in place. These kits hold the necessities that you will need along with helpful tools and first aid supplies. Having even the most basic kit will help you provide for yourself and your family in an emergency. These kits should be kept at home, in cars, and at work

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Special Needs / Elderly / Infants

Special preparation is needed for individuals with special needs; infants, the elderly, those with disabilities, and anyone who is going to need specific supplies or aid during an emergency. Have a plan for these individuals, ask your neighbors to participate in planning so that everyone is aware of who might need extra assistance and support.

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Prepare in a Year

Getting prepared for disasters and emergencies does not have to be done all at once, that can be expensive and time-consuming. Slowing gathering the supplies you need is a good strategy. Start with the very basics of survival; water, food, and first aid. Many people and homes already have supplies; old clothes that you never wear but still work, old blankets, old or extra cooking supplies, extra toiletries that you get form places like the dentist, and leftover travel-sized things from trips.

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Maps

Understanding your area is important. Many emergencies have the potential to take out power, Wi-Fi, and phone signals. Being able to find important locations in your community without your phone is important. This comes in the forms of physical city and state maps. Teach yourself and your children the landmarks and important buildings in your community. These include places like fire and police stations, community centers, libraries, schools, and any place that people might gather at. You can buy or print maps of your area; these maps should be kept in your car and emergency kits.

Map of the City of Lake Stevens

This map shows some of the important locations during a emergency. You are encouraged to print this map and mark any additional locations that are important to you and your family. This includes places like your home, a meeting point, work, and any other important location. Know that some disasters will cause bridges to be unsafe so having a different route can be helpful.

Emergency Action Plan

Families should have emergency action plans that gets practiced at least twice a year. These plans help you and your family understand how to get out of the home, where to meet, where emergency supplies are kept, and other important details that should be known and understood by everyone in the home. The most common type of emergency action plans for families is for a house fire, but there are other situations that could require different actions.

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Emergency Contact Forms

Emergency contact forms are an important resource especially when there are mass power outages or your phone isn't working. Having a physical copy of important numbers, addresses, and medical information is important when technology doesn't work. Keeping a copy of this information in your emergency kit, car, work, and any other place where you might need it can provide you and those helping you with important information.

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Pet Preparedness

Many people have pets, and having supplies prepared for them if an emergency was to happen is important. These supplies are similar to some of the supplies you prepared for yourself; food, water, sanitation (bags and litter), and medication. Have a plan for your pets if you must evacuate, have back up leashes and legal documents for your pet. Always have a current photo of you and your pet printed and in your emergency kit for if you get separated from them.