Emergency Management

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Find out more at Ready.gov

When temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can be a challenge.

• Weatherproof your home to protect against the cold.
  • Insulate walls and attic.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home.
  • Have your chimney or flue inspected every year.
• Make sure your car is ready for winter travel.
  • Make a winter emergency kit to keep in your car.
  • Check antifreeze level and have radiator system serviced.
  • Replace worn tires and check tire air pressure.
  • Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in tank and fuel lines.
• If power lines are down, call your local utility and emergency services
  • If power lines fall on your car, warn people not to touch the car or power lines.
• Prepare yourself for exposure to winter weather.
  • Dress warmly and limit exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite.
  • Avoid getting wet to prevent hypothermia.

Find out more at the Center for Disease Control's Winter Weather guide  

• Emergency Preparedness (USDA) Provides materials, including videos and podcasts, on ensuring food safety during emergencies. [resources available in Spanish]
• Food and Water Safety During Power Outages, and Floods (FDA) Proper safety precautions to keep food and water safe. [available in Spanish and French]
• Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency (CDC) Includes tips for making water safe to drink and storing food. Food, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Information for Use Before and After a Disaster or Emergency (CDC)
• Refrigerated Food: Is food in the refrigerator safe during a power outage? Use this chart to find out.
• Frozen Food: Is thawed or partially thawed food in the freezer safe to eat? Use this chart as a guide.

Find out more at Foodsafety.gov