Lincoln County Health Department Threat Preparedness

Prepare for Disasters

Are You Ready? It’s not a question of if but when: every U.S. state and territory faces the risk of disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe weather, flooding, power outages; each year, disasters disrupt thousands of lives, causing lasting impacts on people and property. In the aftermath, your community will need help, and local first responders may not be immediately available. There are simple steps that you and your family can take now to prepare for emergencies. In doing so, you regain control, even amidst the uncertainty of disaster, significantly benefiting you, your family, your community, and your nation.

Disaster Distress Helpline

It is normal to experience stress, anxiety, and symptoms similar to depression following a disaster. The Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 is a year-round, 24/7 national hotline committed to offering immediate crisis counseling for individuals suffering emotional distress from any natural or human-made disaster. This toll-free, confidential, and multilingual support service is accessible to all residents within the United States and its territories. To speak with a trained crisis counselor, call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Threat Preparedness/Public Health/Disaster Information and Resource Links

Knowing what to do during emergencies can increase your safety and well-being. Discover effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from public health emergencies.

An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness - FEMA

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones - CDC

WV Center For Threat Preparedness

Plan Ahead for Disasters - ready.gov

How to Prepare for Emergencies - American Red Cross

Ready Wrigley: Coping After a Disaster - Activity Book for Kids

ready.gov - Español

Create an Emergency Supply Kit

During and after an emergency, you may need to be self-sufficient for a few days. It’s important to be prepared by having food, water, and supplies to last you through this period. An emergency or disaster supplies kit is a collection of essential items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

You should ensure your emergency kit is stocked with the items listed in the checklist below. You can also download a printable version to take to the store. After reviewing the essential items, consider your family’s specific needs, such as supplies for pets or elderly members.

Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation for at least three days.
Food: A several-day supply of non-perishable items.
Radios: Battery-powered or hand crank radio, plus a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
Flashlight.
First aid kit.
Batteries: Extra supply.
Whistle: To signal for help.
Dust mask: To filter contaminated air.
Shelter supplies: Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape.
Sanitation: Garbage bags, plastic ties, and moist towelettes.
Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, manual can opener for food.
Navigation: Local maps.
Communication: Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

Consider including the following items in your emergency supply kit to address your specific needs:

Sanitation supplies: soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.
Medications: a supply of prescription drugs, as well as over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives.
Vision care: prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution.
Baby essentials: formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
Pet needs: food and extra water.
Money: cash or traveler's checks.
Important documents: Identification, copies of insurance policies, and bank account records either kept electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.
Warmth and shelter: a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, and a complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear.
Safety tools: fire extinguisher and waterproof matches.
Personal items: feminine products and hygiene items.
Dining essentials: mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic cutlery.
Writing supplies: paper and pencil.
Children's entertainment: books, games, and puzzles.

This checklist is intended as a guideline. Please consider additional factors such as age, diet, health, mobility, and local weather conditions. For more resources, visit Ready.gov.

Maintaining Your Kit

Remember to maintain your kit to ensure it’s ready for use:

Store canned goods in a cool, dry area.
Store boxed food in sealed plastic or metal containers.
Regularly replace items that have expired.
Annually reassess your needs and update your kit as your family’s needs change to ensure it is ready and safe when disaster strikes.

Kit Storage Locations

Since emergencies can occur unpredictably, prepare supplies for several locations.

At Home: Store your kit in a designated spot, ready for quick evacuation. Ensure every family member knows its location.
At Work: Have supplies to comfortably stay at work for at least 24 hours, including food, water, medications, and comfortable walking shoes in a portable container.
In Your Car: Maintain a supply of emergency items in your vehicle in case you become stranded.