Updated: Friday, 21 January 2011

STEP 1
Making a Kit

Are you prepared for an emergency?  The first step in preparing for an emergency is creating and maintaining an Emergency Supply Kit.  This kit will help assist you if you were ever forced out of your home in an emergency.  You want to consider the absolute basics when you start your kit, such as: food, water, clean air, and warmth. 

Here is a downloadable list of items for your Emergency Supply Kit.

Here is a downloadable brochure you can use as a quick reference for following the steps to prepare for emergencies.

STEP 2
Make a Plan

The second step in preparing for an emergency is creating a plan with your family.  Sit down and discuss with your family what exactly you would do in anemergency.  Consider the fact that when most emergencies happen, you may not be all together.  How will you all get back together?  Where will you meet up? And what will you do in different emergency situations?

Here is a downloadable Family Plan.

STEP 3
Be Informed

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency.

However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them.

In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.

Emergency preparedness is no longer the sole concern of earthquake prone Californians and those who live in the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley." For Americans, preparedness must now account for man-made disasters as well as natural ones. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

Think you're ready to test your readiness?  Here is a website to put your efforts to the test!  Click the link below to find out!

http://www.whatsyourrq.org/- What's your Readiness Quotient website.

You can download the full reference guide for preparing for emergencies HERE.

Important Links

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Ready Illinois

CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Site

American Red Cross

How to Plan, Prepare, and Be informed.

Bio-Terrorism Preparedness

What's your Readiness Quotient

How to Prepare For Emergencies

Earthquakes-Before
Fire- Before
Flood- Before
Hazardous Materials- Before
Heat- Before
Nuclear- Before
Terrorism
Thunderstorm- Before
Tornado- Before
Winter Storm- Before

What to do in Emergencies

Earthquakes -During
Fire- During
Flood- During
Hazardous Materials- During
Heat- During
Nuclear- During
Terrorism
Thunderstorm- During
Tornado- During
Winter Storm- During

Brochures and Quick References

Biological Threat
Chemical Threat
Pan Flu
Are You Ready

Ready Responder Toolkit