Resolve to Be Ready
January is a great time to plan ahead and make positive changes. As you make a list of resolutions for 2023, resolve to add a few that will help you prepare for emergencies and disasters. Remember, you don't need to enact all your resolutions at once. Take small steps throughout the year so that you're ready to weather the unexpected.
Throughout the year, the Jasper County Emergency Management Agency encourages all Jasper residents to take a proactive approach in personal preparedness and to sign up for community and weather alerts at http://bit.ly/JasperAlerts.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Make an emergency plan. Choose a safe place to meet, learn evacuation routes and establish an out-of-town contact.
- Take stock of your emergency supplies. Use those that will expire soon and add new ones as needed.
- Sign up for alerts and warnings. Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips and locate open shelters.
- Snap pictures of your property for insurance purposes.
- Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
- Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place or online. In addition, consider filling out FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to keep all your documents and important information in one place.
- Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies.
- Take a class in CPR and first aid.
- Have back-up power sources available to charge devices in case of a power outage.
- Check your insurance for coverage on disasters like floods, hurricanes and earthquakes.
- Save for a rainy day! Start and grow your emergency fund by adding a small amount at the start of each month.
- List is courtesy of FEMA: FEMA-prepare@fema.dhs.gov.
Learn more about preparedness actions you can take at FEMA’s Preparedness Community.
Preparedness Materials
Build A Kit
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version.
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
✔ Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
✔ Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
✔ Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
✔ Flashlight
✔ First aid kit
✔ Extra batteries
✔ Whistle (to signal for help)
✔ Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
✔ Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
✔ Moist towelettes/garbage bags/plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
✔ Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
✔ Manual can opener
✔ Local Maps
✔ Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
✔ Masks/soap/hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes
✔ Prescription medications
✔ Non-prescription medications (pain relievers/anti-diarrhea/antacids/laxatives)
✔ Eyeglasses/contacts/supplies
✔ Infant formula/bottles/diapers/wipes/diaper rash cream
✔ Pet food and extra water for your pet
✔ Cash
✔ Important family documents (insurance policies/identification/bank account records (saved electronically or in a waterproof container)
✔ Sleeping bag or warm blanket/person
✔ Complete change of clothing/sturdy shoes
✔ Matches in a waterproof container
✔ Feminine supplies/personal hygiene items
✔ Mess kits/paper cups/plates/paper towels/plastic utensils
✔ Paper/pencil/activities for children
All information courtesy of ready.gov