Make a list of emergency contact numbers

When you're in the middle of a crisis, it's not always easy to find or remember important phone numbers. So make a list that includes everyone's home, work, cell, pager, school, and daycare numbers, along with contact information for neighbors, family doctors, ambulance services, nearby hospitals, the gas company, and local police, fire, and health departments.

Our handy emergency contact worksheet can make this less of a chore. Keep one copy by the phone at home, one copy at work, one in your car, and one in your wallet. While you're at it, program these numbers right into your home and cell phones, too. Also make sure your partner and your children's caregivers have copies of your email address (tuck it, along with other contact information, into your child's diaper bag or backpack), since email might work when phones don't.

Choose an out-of-area contact person

During a disaster, local phone lines often go down or are so overloaded with calls that it can be difficult to get in touch with anyone in your area. That's why it makes sense to choose an out-of-area relative or friend to be your family's backup contact person. Be sure that you and your children's caregivers have that person's home phone, work phone, cell number, and email address with you so that you can exchange messages on how you're doing, where you are, and other vital information.

Protect your home

Install and regularly check smoke detectors. Make sure you know how to shut off your water, gas, and electric service — but only do so if local officials instruct you to. If you're unsure where your shut-offs are, ask your utility companies to come out and mark them.

Keep emergency supplies on hand

In the event of a disaster, your family may have to stay in the house or evacuate quickly. In either case, you'll need emergency supplies at the ready.

Consider storing the following items in large, unused, covered garbage cans or in duffel bags. You may want to keep a second emergency kit in your car in case you can't get home before evacuating..

Because emergencies of any kind tend to disrupt power, food, and water supplies, these items will serve you well in most circumstances (See FEMA's complete list of emergency supplies):

  • Bottled water. Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each family member, plus water for your pets. Figure on 1 gallon per person per day (2 quarts for drinking and 2 quarts for sanitation). Nursing mothers, children, and the elderly or infirm need slightly more. For animals, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that you store at least 1 ounce of water per pound of weight per day. So for a cat that weighs 10 lbs. you'd need 10 oz. per day; for a 50 lb. dog you'd need 50 oz. per day. If your pet eats dry food, you should store more.
  • Nonperishable food and eating supplies. Pack a manual (not electric) can opener; paper cups, plates, and utensils. Pack a three-day supply of food for each family member, including items like powdered milk or formula and canned fruit, meat, soup, vegetables, and juice. Don't forget food for babies or those with special dietary needs, and for your pets. Baby formula can be damaged by heat or cold, so don't store it unless your stuff is protected from temperature extremes. Check expiration dates every six months and replace items accordingly.
  • Medicine and first-aid supplies. Key items include sterile adhesive bandages and pads, antiseptic lotion, a thermometer, tweezers, scissors, latex gloves, and an over-the-counter pain reliever. In addition, ask your doctor or pharmacist about getting a second set of crucial prescription medications to store in your disaster kit — bearing in mind that they can be damaged by heat and cold, so don't pack them unless your kit is in a temperate location. If you do decide to stock crucial medications, check the expiration dates every few months and replace as needed.
  • A battery-powered radio and extra batteries. You'll want to tune in for regular updates on the situation and evacuation instructions.
  • A flashlight and extra batteries. Power outages are almost a given, no matter what the nature of the disaster.
  • An extra set of car keys.
  • Cash or traveler's checks. Don't count on being able to access an ATM. While a credit card should do for expenses like gas, food, and lodging, it won't work if the power is out. It never hurts to have some money tucked away for unexpected expenses.
  • Important documents. You'll need access to important family documents like wills, deeds, passports, birth and marriage certificates, and insurance papers — especially if there's a fire or if you need to flee the area. Store these in a waterproof, fireproof container that you can grab on your way out.
  • Games and books. If the power goes out, you won't have a television or computer to help pass the time. A stash of books, games, and toys will keep everyone's mind off the worst.