What To Include In Your Plan#

• Family cellphone numbers
• Work/desk phone numbers
• School and childcare phone numbers
• Doctors and primary care provider contact information
• Veterinarian contact information
• Non-emergency phone numbers for police and fire
• Poison Control phone number
• Medical, Homeowners, and Flood Insurance contact information and policy numbers
• Utility provider(s) contact information
• Out-of-Town contact: Someone who lives outside your community that you can contact in an emergency. This person can help you and your family reconnect if local calls aren’t possible during a disaster. 

Additional Resources#

https://www.ready.gov/plan-form

Accessible Alerts#

Alerts in Other Languages: The ReachWell app allows community members to receive public safety alerts in languages other than English.

Deaf Link: Community members can sign up to receive accessible alert messages. Registered community members can receive alert messages in American Sign Language (ASL) and English voice and text.  

Want to sign up for alerts in Weld County? Register Here.

Plan#

Have a conversation about being prepared for emergencies. 

• Talk with your kids in age-appropriate ways about the emergencies that could happen in your area.
• Address their fears. Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings. Let your kids know it's okay to be scared, but also emphasize that you are taking steps to keep them safe.
• Make it fun. Use stories, games, and activities.

Create a family emergency plan:

Make a plan that includes meeting places, emergency contacts, and designated caregivers. Include contact information for schools or childcare providers.

Involve your kids: Practice your plans to familiarize your kids with the plans. Make it fun and positive.

Create a Kid-Friendly Emergency Kit#

In addition to the basic items in your emergency kit, include specific items for kids:  

• Comfort items: Stuffed animals or toys
• Activities: Games, coloring books and crayons
• Food: Formula, baby food, and favorite snacks 
• Hygiene: Diapers, wipes, and change of clothes
• Medications: Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for your kids
• Records: Have copies birth certificates, information about medical conditions, and other important information

Involve your kids: Let kids help pack your family emergency kit and choose their comfort items and activities!

Additional Resources#

• Red Cross Prepare with Pedro
• Sesame Workshop Emergency Preparedness
• Ready Kids

BEFORE#

Emergency Kit: Include items in your emergency kit for your pets.

• Food and water
• Crate or carriers
• Leash, harness, and collars
• Medications and copies of medical records
• Litter box and sanitation bags
• Toys
• Current photos of your pet

Identification: Ensure that your pet’s ID tags and microchip are up-to-date.

Practice: Regularly practice getting your pet in their carrier.

Plan: Identify places you can leave pet during an emergency, such as with friends or family, or at boarding facilities.

DURING#

Follow Evacuation Orders: If evacuation is necessary, take your pet with you.

Maintain Routine: Stick to your pet's regular schedule as much as possible.

AFTER#

Examine your pet for injuries and go to a vet if needed.

Report missing pets to local shelters and animal control.

Additional Resources#

• https://www.ready.gov/pets
• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html
• https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness

Before an Emergency#

• Know your risk: Familiarize yourself with the types of emergencies common in your area.
• Build Your Support Network: Identify friends, family or neighbors who can assist you during an emergency. Discuss your specific needs and evacuation plans with them.
• Have an Emergency Kit: Include essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, medications, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, and sanitation wipes.
• Personalize Your Kit: Include items specific to your needs, such as extra batteries for assistive devices, communication aids, mobility devices, or personal care supplies.
• Develop a Communication Plan:
• Program emergency contact numbers into your phone. Consider a waterproof medical ID bracelet or something that can be handed to first responders with details of your specific needs.
• Practice Your Plan: Go through your evacuation plan with your support network. Practice using assistive devices in different scenarios.

During an Emergency#

• Follow Emergency Instructions: Listen to local authorities for updates and evacuation orders.
• Evacuate if Necessary: If evacuation is ordered, use your established plan with your support network.
• Advocate for Yourself: Clearly communicate your needs to first responders and shelter staff.

After an Emergency#

• Stay Informed: Continue to monitor local news for information about recovery efforts.
• Contact Your Support Network: Let your support network know you are safe.
• Seek Assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help with essential needs like food, water, or medical care.
• Report any damage to your home or assistive devices to your insurance company and local authorities.

Additional Resources#

• https://dhsem.colorado.gov/emergency-management/plans/access-and-functional-needs/access-and-functional-needs-resources
• https://www.ready.gov/disability
• https://www.ready.gov/older-adults