It is important to plan for emergencies before they happen. Three of the easiest things a family can do is create an emergency plan, along with an emergency kit, and a family emergency communication plan. Families need to plan how they will contact each other during an emergency and where they will go if separated.

An emergency kit is important when it comes to preparing for possible emergencies, especially weather-related. Many people already have items in their home that can help make creating an emergency kit easy! Other items are low- cost and can be collected over a period of time to fit your budget.

Please see these simple tips on how to create a family communication plan and how to create an emergency Kit: 

• Family Emergency Communication
• Basic Emergency Kit

Don’t forget about including your pet(s) in your planning:

• Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe During a Disaster
• Building Your Pet First Aid Kit

For more information on this and other emergency preparedness topics, please contact Traci Dixon, Community and Rural Development Agent at tdixon@ncat.edu, or call (252) 459-9810.