Family Emergency Preparedness
Take time to think about your household’s daily routine and the unique needs of each family member. What can you do now to make sure your family can respond to an emergency and recover from a disaster that disrupts your normal life for days or even weeks?
Personal preparedness starts with knowing the hazards that threaten your community, whether that’s wildfire, flooding, severe winter weather, or earthquake, and understanding that our peninsula location can mean limited routes in and out, so roads may be blocked or outside emergency responders may take longer to reach you. That makes being ready to care for your family even more important.
Preparedness also means having essential supplies on hand for your home, workplace, and vehicle. You likely already own most of what you need, the key is gathering it in one place your whole household knows about. Your family emergency kit should include, at a minimum:
- Water – 1 gallon per person, per day (for drinking, cooking, and washing)
- Food – Non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods, including any traditional or culturally important foods. Choose items everyone will actually eat, and check expiration dates regularly
- First aid supplies – Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, and any prescription medications or personal medical equipment (include extra for infants, elders, or family members with chronic health needs)
- Electronics – Hand-crank or battery-powered light sources, a portable radio for emergency alerts, extra batteries, and a backup way to charge phones or devices
- Clothing – At least one extra set of warm clothing, rain-proof outerwear, and sturdy, comfortable shoes for each family member, in case you need to walk long distances
- Important documents – Copies of tribal enrollment, IDs, insurance, and medical records for each family member, kept in a waterproof or portable container
- Family communication plan – A way to check on and reconnect with family members who may be separated (school, work, elsewhere on the peninsula) when an emergency happens, including an agreed-upon meeting place
