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!

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

Additional Items

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.

Fire can spread quickly and without warning, making preparation and quick action critical to saving lives. The following fire safety tips outline important steps to take before a fire occurs and clear actions to follow during a fire to help protect you, your family, and your home.

Before a Fire

Smoke Alarm Safety

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
  • Replace batteries twice a year, unless using 10-year lithium batteries.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 10 years, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never disable a smoke alarm, even while cooking.

Protect Important Documents

  • Create digital copies of important records such as birth certificates, insurance policies, and other valuable documents.
  • If you are insured, contact your insurance provider for guidance on protecting your property, creating a home inventory, and selecting fire damage restoration services.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Every second counts during a fire. A practiced escape plan helps you get out quickly and safely. Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year.

  • Identify two ways out of every room in case the primary exit is blocked by fire or smoke.
  • Ensure windows open easily, screens can be removed quickly, and security bars can be properly released.
  • Practice escaping in the dark or with your eyes closed.
  • Teach children never to hide from firefighters.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair, confirm that all exits are accessible.

Additional Fire Safety Tips

  • Sleep with bedroom doors closed.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use and maintain it. Your local fire department can help.
  • Consider installing an automatic residential fire sprinkler system.

During a Fire

If a Fire Starts

  • Drop to the floor and crawl low under smoke to your exit. Smoke and toxic gases rise and collect near the ceiling.
  • Before opening a door, feel the door and doorknob. If either is hot or smoke is coming through the cracks, do not open the door. Use an alternate exit.
  • If the door is cool, open it slowly and be prepared to close it if heavy smoke or fire appears.

Helping Others and Pets

  • If someone needs assistance and you cannot safely reach them, leave the home and call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher where the person is located.
  • If pets are trapped inside, inform firefighters immediately.

If You Cannot Escape

  • Close the door and seal vents and cracks with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.
  • Call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher where you are.
  • Signal for help at a window using a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

If Your Clothes Catch Fire

  • Stop immediately.
  • Drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands.
  • Roll back and forth until the flames are out.
  • If someone cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.
  • Cool burns with cool water for three to five minutes.
  • Cover burns with a clean, dry cloth and seek medical help immediately by calling 9-1-1.