Make a family emergency plan You and your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so knowing what to do, where you will go, and how to get in touch with each other is important.
Create a family communication plan: Choose an out-of-town person to be a point of contact for family members to call. If you live apart from other family, that person could even be you! Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 911 or other local emergency medical services.
Develop a family evacuation plan: Contact your local emergency management agency to learn about your community’s emergency plan, the location of shelters and hospitals, and evacuation routes.
Prepare for your pets:
Address Special needs:
Ensure you have prescriptions filled for yourself and others if possible, as well as access to life-sustaining or health- related equipment such as a ventilator or respirator.
Most shelters do not accept pets. Prepare a list of kennels, friends, and family members who may be able to care for your pet in an emergency. If you are able to take your pet to a shelter, the pet must have a current vaccination record, a pet carrier, and a supply of food.
Build an emergency supply kit The following items are vital to have in all emergencies, though you may want to have other items depending on the season: Water and non-perishable food for each person for 3-5 days First aid kit Money Battery-operated flashlight and radio, and extra batteries for each Extra clothing and bedding (including shoes) Stay aware of weather and road conditions Local, state, and federal authorities use several methods to communicate information about developing weather conditions. Pay attention to these sources to ensure you’re informed about severe weather: Copies of important documents such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, insurance policies, and financial information Personal hygiene items Specialty items such as prescription medications, baby formula, diapers, and pet supplies Plates, cups, utensils, and a can opener
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): These emergency messages are broadcast from cell towers to mobile devices in a targeted area. They look like text messages but are designed to get your attention, with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice.
Warning Sirens: Activated upon a local tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warnings (or if actual wind speeds reach 70 mph), warning sirens are your signal to seek shelter and tune in for more details.
NOAA Weather Radio: A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is one of the best ways to receive
Iowa 511: Access real-time information on current road conditions on www.511ia.org
weather and other emergency alerts.
You can find more information on these systems and types of severe weather warnings at ready.iowa.gov/be-aware/
Friends Club is working with local Emergency Management Coordinators on educational courses for members this fall. Keep your eye on the October newsletter for dates at locations near you!
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3rd Quarter 2023
Source: ready.iowa.gov
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