Preparedness Tips

Having a family communication plan is vital for staying safe and connected during a disaster or emergency. When normal communication channels are disrupted, knowing how to reach each other and where to meet can prevent fear and confusion. A family communication plan outlines important contact information, meeting places, and steps to take if family members are separated. It also ensures that everyone, including children and elderly relatives, knows what to do and who to call.

 A Communications Plan should include:

  • Household information
    • Phone number, address
    • Information on family members
      • Names
      • Phone numbers
      • Addresses
      • Emails
      • Important medical information
  • Emergency Plans
  • Emergency Contacts
    • Be sure to have at least one out-of-state contact
  • Emergency meeting places
  • Medical information
    • Doctors’ names
    • Vet’s name
    • Poison Control
    • Allergy information
    • Medical insurance name and policy
  • Any additional information that would be beneficial

By planning ahead, families can respond more calmly and effectively, helping protect each other and reunite more quickly after an emergency. To help you and your family create a communications plan, the Make a Plan form at Ready.gov.

Make your own Ready kit with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, seniors or family members with special needs. Add those items to your kit and start packing it today! Learn more about building a ready kit at Build a Kit | Ready.gov.

Recommended Items

Food and Water

  • Water – One gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days, for drinking and hygiene
  • Food – At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Can opener – For food, if your kit contains canned items

Communication and Light

  • Radio – Battery-powered or hand crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Extra batteries – For radio and flashlight
  • Flashlight
  • Whistle – To signal for help
  • Emergency charger – For mobile devices

First Aid and Hygiene

  • First aid kit
  • Face mask – To help filter contaminated air
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape – For sheltering in place
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties – For personal hygiene

Tools and Navigation

  • Wrench or pliers – To turn off utilities
  • Local maps

Health and Medications

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – To disinfect water

Infant and Pet Care

  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food, extra water, pet supplies, toys, and vaccination forms

Documents and Money

  • Important family documents – Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change

Shelter and Comfort

  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person – Add extra bedding in cold weather
  • Complete change of clothing – Include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes (consider cold-weather gear)

Safety and Supplies

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels

Info and Entertainment

  • Emergency reference materials – Such as a first aid book
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven’t kept your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech-ready:

Here are basic tips to get started:

  • To sign up to get preparedness tips from FEMA: text PREPARE to 43362.
  • To search for open shelters (for disaster survivors): text SHELTER and a ZIP code to 43362.
  • To get a list of all keywords you can subscribe to: text LIST to 43362.
  • To unsubscribe (at any time): text STOP to 43362.
  • Follow Gwinnett County on social media, including Gwinnett County Government, Police, and Fire, for important updates and alerts
  • Get Alert Gwinnett!

Use text messages, social media, and email to connect with friends and family during emergencies.

  • Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during emergencies, making it hard to make and get phone calls. Text messages require less bandwidth, which means they can be transmitted more reliably during situations when many people are trying to use their mobile phones simultaneously.
  • Social media channels such as Facebook can also be an effective way to update family and friends during emergencies. Facebook’s Safety Check feature enables users to quickly post a status update confirming their safety during a disaster.

Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other mobile devices. 

Smartphones have become a vital tool to get emergency alerts and warnings so it’s important to make sure you can keep them powered up in an emergency.

  • At home: Before severe weather, make sure that your electronic devices are fully charged. If the power goes out, save battery power by minimizing device use. Keep a backup power source on hand.
  • In your car: Keep a portable phone charger in your car at all times and consider purchasing a backup power supply to keep in your car as well.
  • Change the settings on your phone to low power mode or place it on airplane mode to conserve energy.

Store important documents on a secure, password-protected jump drive or in the cloud.

  • Several apps for mobile devices let you use your phone’s camera as a scanning device. This lets you capture electronic versions of important documents such as insurance policies, identification documents, and medical records. Don’t forget to include your pet’s information.
  • Backup your computer to protect photos and other important electronic documents.
  • Scan old photos to protect them from loss.
  • Keep your contacts updated and synced across your channels, including phone, email, and social media. This will make it easy to reach out to the right people quickly to get information and give updates.
  • Create a group chat via a texting app or a thread for family/friends/coworkers to communicate quickly during a disaster.

Sign up for direct deposit and electronic banking through your financial institution so you can access your paycheck and make electronic payments wherever you are. 

Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or at GoDirect.org.

It’s important for kids to be prepared for emergencies or disasters because knowing what to do can help them stay calm and safe when unexpected situations happen. Emergencies like fires, storms, or tornadoes can be scary, but if children understand safety plans, know where to go, and who to contact, they can make smart choices that protect themselves and others. Being prepared also helps kids feel more confident and less afraid because they know what steps to take. Learning emergency skills, such as how to call for help, where to find supplies, or how to follow directions, teaches responsibility and can even save lives. 

Helping Children Cope 
Disasters can leave kids feeling scared and confused. Responses to emergencies or disasters can vary among children, so it’s essential to not only recognize their reactions but also help children cope with their emotions: 

  • Encourage dialogue and answer questions: Listen to your kids. Ask them about their feelings and validate any concerns they may have.  

  • Limit media exposure: Intense media coverage can frighten children. If they watch TV or use the internet, be available to answer any questions or concerns 

  • Make time for kids and find support: Help kids understand that they are safe by talking and doing other family activities with them. Build support networks with friends, family, and community organizations to help you and your children cope.  

  • Keep a routine: Help your children feel like they still have a sense of structure. This can help them feel more relaxed. When schools and childcare open again, help children return to normal activities.  

Emergency Kits for Kids 

  • Glow sticks: Instead of a night light or flashlight that uses batteries, using a glow stick can be a fun way to provide light in the dark 

  • Second favorite toy: Provide them comfort with their second favorite toy and/or stuffed animal  

  • Activity books: Give your kids something to do  they love when they could be in an unfamiliar place 

Extreme heat can lead to serious health problems, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Protect yourself and your family by taking simple precautions during hot weather.

Quick Tips:

  • Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

  • Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen.

  • Take breaks in air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas.

  • Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle.

  • Check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Watch for signs of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion, and seek medical help if symptoms become severe.

A fire can become life-threatening in just a matter of minutes, and a residence can be engulfed in flames in as little as five minutes.

Fire is fast. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames. Fire is hot. Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling super-hot air can scorch your lungs. Fire is dark. It starts bright, but rooms can quickly fill up with black smoke and create total darkness. Fire is deadly. Smoke and toxic gases kill more than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that can make you drowsy and disoriented.

Follow these tips to protect you and your family during a fire. Additional information is available at Fire | Ready.gov.

Before a Fire

Smoke Alarm Safety

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home
  • Replace batteries twice a year or use 10-year lithium alarms
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
  • Never disable alarms, even while cooking

Prepare Important Records

  • Make digital copies of vital documents such as identification, insurance, and birth certificates
  • Contact your insurance provider for guidance on inventories and fire restoration

Create and Practice an Escape Plan

  • Practice your fire escape plan twice a year
  • Identify two exits from every room
  • Ensure windows open easily and security bars release properly
  • Practice escaping in the dark or with eyes closed
  • Teach children not to hide from firefighters
  • Check exits for accessibility if using mobility aids

Additional Safety Tips

  • Sleep with bedroom doors closed
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
  • Consider installing a home fire sprinkler system

During a Fire

  • Crawl low under smoke to reach your exit
  • Check doors for heat before opening
  • Use an alternate exit if doors are hot or smoky
  • Leave immediately if someone needs help you cannot reach and call 9-1-1
  • Notify firefighters if pets are trapped inside
  • If trapped:
    • Close doors and seal vents and cracks
    • Call 9-1-1 and report your location
    • Signal from a window using a light or cloth
  • If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll
    • Cool burns with water for 3–5 minutes
    • Cover with a clean, dry cloth
    • Seek medical help immediately

Infectious disease outbreaks can impact public safety, healthcare systems, and daily life. Seasonal flu, emerging diseases, and pandemics pose ongoing risks.

Key Actions

  • Stay informed through public health updates
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Follow guidance from healthcare and emergency officials
  • Have a personal preparedness plan

For more information, visit: Ready.gov | Pandemics.

Older adults may have unique needs during an emergency or disaster. Use the tabs below to follow three simple steps—assess your needs, make a plan, and engage your support network—to help you stay prepared. For detailed guidance and printable worksheets, visit Older Adults | Ready.gov.

Assess Your Needs

Understand your risks and what support you may need in an emergency.

  • Learn about hazards that may affect your area in the Learn About Local Hazards section
  • Consider medical conditions, medications, dietary needs, and assistive devices
  • Ensure you can access medical records, prescriptions, and benefits
  • Confirm caregivers know your needs and emergency plans
  • Identify transportation options and community resources

Write down important phone numbers, addresses, and critical information and keep them accessible.

Make a Plan

Emergencies can happen without warning, so having a plan in place is essential.

  • Build a support network of trusted family, friends, and caregivers
  • Make sure at least one person can access you if help is needed
  • Include plans for service animals or pets
  • Prepare for assistive device needs (such as backup batteries)
  • Store key financial and insurance documents in a portable, waterproof container

Share your plan with those who support you.

Engage Your Support Network

A strong support network can make a critical difference during a disaster.

  • Connect with family, friends, neighbors, caregivers, or faith-based communities
  • Make sure your network understands your specific needs
  • Learn your clinic or hospital’s emergency plans and identify backup providers

Staying connected helps ensure you’re not facing an emergency alone.

Pets are family and should be included in every emergency plan. As you plan, build a kit, and stay informed, make sure you’re prepared to protect your pets as well. For more guidance, visit Prepare Your Pets for Disasters on Ready.gov.

Make a Plan for Your Pet

Include pets in your emergency and evacuation plans to reduce stress and confusion.

  • Plan where your pet will go if you must evacuate; not all shelters accept pets
  • Arrange a buddy system with neighbors, friends, or family
  • Microchip pets and keep contact information up to date, including an out-of-area emergency contact

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies your pet may need for several days.

  • Food and water (with bowls)
  • Collar with ID tag, harness or leash, and copies of registration or medical records
  • Travel crate or carrier for each pet
  • Comfort items such as toys, treats, or bedding

Travel and Larger Animals

Help pets feel comfortable with carriers before an emergency.

  • Leave carriers out and accessible
  • Keep them open and add familiar bedding
  • Use treats to encourage positive experiences
  • Know where pets tend to hide for quick evacuation

For larger animals (horses, cows, goats):

  • Ensure all animals are properly identified
  • Evacuate early when possible
  • Confirm destinations can provide food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment

Following a disaster, clean drinking water may not be available. Your regular water source could be cut off or compromised through contamination. Prepare your household by planning for your daily needs:

  • The Daily Minimum: Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 3 to 7 days. This covers basic drinking needs and emergency sanitation.
  • Special Medical & Household Needs: Remember to account for pets, nursing mothers, children, and anyone with specific medical requirements.
  • Climate Considerations: During hot Georgia summers, safe water needs can easily double. It is always safer to lean toward a 7-day supply if your storage space allows.

If your stored supply runs out and you must use water of uncertain quality, treat it before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or making ice. Always let large particles settle to the bottom or strain them through a clean cloth or coffee filter first.

Choose one of the following treatment methods depending on your available resources:

Method 1: Boiling (Safest Method)
What it does: Kills germs, bacteria, and microbes. It does not remove heavy metals or chemicals.
Instructions: Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute. Let it cool. To improve the flat taste, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back in.

Method 2: Chlorination
What it does: Kills germs, bacteria, and microbes. It does not remove heavy metals or chemicals.
Instructions: Use regular, unscented household liquid bleach (5.25% to 6.0% sodium hypochlorite). Add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, stir well, and let it sit for 30 minutes before using.

Method 3: Distillation
What it does: Kills germs and effectively removes heavy metals, salts, and other solid chemicals.
Instructions: Boil water in a pot with an upside-down lid. Tie a cup to the inner handle of the lid so it hangs right-side-up directly above the water. As the water boils, steam will condense on the upside-down lid and drip clean, pure water into the cup.