“Preparedness is the ultimate confidence builder.”

Ensure that there is way to escape from all rooms of your home including:

• 2 exits for each bedroom
• A way out of window wells in basement rooms
• Emergency ladders for rooms on floors above the ground level

Install and check/test the following:

• Fire extinguishers (one in the kitchen and one on every floor of your home) - ensure they are not expired or empty
• Smoke detectors - replace batteries if needed

Teach household members the following:

• The fire escape plan (and  practice the escape plan)
• How to remove window screens
• Crawling under 18 inches is important if smoke is present
• How to use a fire extinguisher

Create a plan with the following:

• 3 designated meeting spots
• An emergency contact list
• Designate an out of state relative or friend to be a point of contact for communications
• Decide who will pick up any kids from school & know the school’s release plan for emergencies
• Laminate a copy of the plan for each person, home, and vehicle

Teach household members the following:

• How to turn off all utilities in your home (water, electricity, gas)
• Discuss circumstances that would warrant turning off utilities
• What to do in the event of a tornado, earthquake, fire, etc.
• Designated meeting spots

Put together a 72-hour kit in a backpack for each household member with:

• Food and water
• Clothing and blankets
• AM/FM or two-way radio
• Flashlight and batteries
• Toilet paper in a waterproof bag
• Medications including prescriptions
• Prepaid phone card
• Laminated emergency plan

Store 3 months of food and toiletries for all household members

Store 1 week of water for your household to include at least 1 gallon of water per person per day

Have a minimum of $50 of cash set aside for your household (not money in the bank - physical cash in your wallet), including small denominations and coins