Protect Yourself

• Familiarize yourself with our Evacuation Levels. In the event of an emergency, officials will notify you of the threat and evacuation level determined to be necessary through CodeRed, Twitter, and media.

• Have an Evacuation Plan and practice it. Be certain to have alternate routes planned in case your primary route is closed due to road damage or closures.

• Include children in preparedness planning.

• Have a Family Contact Plan (who to call, where to meet, where to meet if separated, etc...)

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit, also known as a 72 hour kit, with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy to carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. There are an endless number of these kits for purchase, but one of the simplest ways to do this is to create your own and have a separate bag/pack/container for each person. Keep each kit in a place where it will be easy to locate at a moment’s notice.

  • Here is a sample list of items to consider placing in your kit:

    • Three day supply of water (1 gallon for each person)

    • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. Add six drops (1/8 tsp) of unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes.

    • One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person

    • Cell phone w/chargers, inverters, or a solar charger

    • First aid kit

    • Prescription medicines

    • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

    • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries

    • Matches in a water-proof container

    • Extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks

    • Sanitation supplies

    • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members

    • Local maps

• Know where to grab information and supplies for your animals in the event you have to evacuate.