Build a Kit with Everyone in Mind
National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
This week’s theme for National Preparedness Month is Build a Kit.
After an emergency, you may need to rely on yourself and your household or community for several days. It’s important to have supplies set aside and ready to use, including water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid kit, copies of important paperwork, and additional items.
When building a kit, make sure to have one wherever you spend much of the time (e.g. home, work, car). Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have, such as medications or medical equipment, in case you have to evacuate quickly.
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
A basic emergency supplies kit could include the following items:
- Water
- Food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Whistle
- Dust or N-95 mask
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties - Wrench or pliers
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Visit Ready.gov for a complete list of recommended emergency supplies.
Remember to start with what you have and add over time. Washington Emergent Management Division makes it easy with their Prepare in a Year resources. Use this guide to take a step each month for the next 12 months. Utilize the attached ‘Preparedness Kit Scorecard’. Share with your networks to #PrepareTogether and encourage friendly preparedness competition!
Share Your Preparedness Stories
Share your preparedness activities with the FEMA Region 10 Individual and Community Preparedness (ICP) team. They want to highlight your efforts. Connect with the ICP team at FEMA-R10-Communityprep@fema.dhs.gov. Use the #PrepareTogether tag when sharing activities on social media.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 10 Office of External Affairs:
- News Desk at (425) 487-4610 or FEMA-R10-NewsDesk@fema.dhs.gov
- Congressional Affairs at FEMA-R10-CongQ@fema.dhs.gov
- Tribal Affairs at FEMA-R10-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
- Private Sector at FEMA-R10-CommunityPartners@fema.dhs.gov
Follow Us
Follow the FEMA Region 10 #PrepareTogether campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn and visit FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA Mission
Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Brett Holt
Senior Stakeholder Relations Specialist | External Affairs Division | Region 10
(425) 877-8593
brett.holt@fema.dhs.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
fema.gov
