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Disasters and emergencies can strike swiftly and unexpectedly, leaving lasting effects on both people and property. Planning ahead of disasters and emergencies offers many benefits; when you and your family prepare, you can:

Keep yourself, your family, and others safe;
Limit damage to your home and property;
Know what to do during and after a disaster;
Better manage your finances;
Promote community readiness; and
Help your community recover faster.

By taking a few easy steps now, you’ll be better prepared to face disasters & emergencies, helping you, your family, and your community remain resilient.

Preparing for Disasters & Emergencies

Know Your Risks

Understand the risks you and your family may face.

Make a Plan

Create a custom emergency plan to protect your family and stay prepared.

Take Action

Put your plan into action.

Know Your Risks

Hazard

A source of danger

Vulnerability

Being open to attack or damage

Risk

Possibility of loss or injury

Risk involves the potential for loss or injury from disasters or hazards, calculated using the likelihood of the hazard and your vulnerability. Individuals and families encounter various hazards, and understanding the prevalent types in your community for disaster preparedness is essential. Minimizing vulnerability by understanding and preparing for these hazards reduces risk.

Visit the Disasters & Emergencies page to learn about potential hazards and appropriate actions before, during, and after disasters. Proactive measures empower you and your family to protect yourselves and your property.

Many disasters happen with little to no warning. You need to be ready with the appropriate skills and knowledge to act immediately; often before you have instructions from local authorities. After an event, assessing the situation before deciding to stay or change your location is important.

Assess the Situation

When something occurs unexpectedly, it is important to take a moment to determine your most effective next steps. Identify the event type and check for immediate danger, like damaged buildings or downed power lines. The goal is to stay safe and avoid danger.

Decide to Stay or Change Location

The next step is to decide whether it is safe to stay in your current location. In some situations, you should stay where you are, while in others the safest option is to change locations. For example, if you are inside when a tornado occurs, you must stay indoors. In contrast, in an active shooter situation, you can try to run to another location.

Make a Plan

Once you understand your potential risk to specific hazards, you can prepare for your family's unique needs with customized plans and supplies. Creating a solid plan is an essential step in ensuring safety and resilience when facing disasters and emergencies. A well-thought-out plan enables you and your loved ones to act swiftly and effectively, minimizing your risk of injury or loss. Start by setting clear priorities, creating plans for family emergency communications, evacuation and sheltering, emergency supply kits, and preparing your critical documents. Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to navigate emergencies with confidence and protect what matters most.

Create an Emergency Plan

With the uncertainty of when and where disasters can strike, your family may not be together. It's important to plan to ensure you can connect and reunite with family members before, during, or after a disaster.

Gather all family contact information and include it in the plan, along with contacts for important organizations like medical facilities, doctors, schools, and service providers.
Pick the same person for each family member to contact and ensure that person can be reached through at least two methods of communication. Choose someone who resides out of town that may be easier to reach in a disaster.
If you are in an emergency area, and you are NOT in danger, it is sometimes easier to send a text message. Cell phone networks may become congested following a disaster, which can make voice calling difficult.
Establish a family meeting place that is familiar and easy to find. Choose a safe, familiar, and accessible place where your family can go for protection or to reunite. Choose two places where you can meet up:
- Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire.
- Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Everyone should familiarize themselves with the plan and carry a digital or wallet card copy at all times. Display a copy prominently in your home, such as on the refrigerator or a bulletin board. If you have children who are too small to memorize this information, they should carry a small index card that lists emergency information to give to an adult or babysitter. You can find templates to make emergency contact cards and fillable emergency communication plans.

Safe Space to Shelter

Depending on the emergency, you may have to move to a different location inside your home or leave your home for a safer location. Designate safe rooms within your home. They should have as few windows or doors as possible and access to television, radio, or cell services. Severe weather is one of the most common hazards faced in Waukesha County, and a safe room in the basement or lowest level of your home may be the best for sheltering during tornadoes or severe storms. Make sure you have enough supplies or can access your emergency supply kit.

If you need to leave your home, identify and practice how you will exit safely and quickly. Establish possible evacuation routes to ensure you can get to a designated meeting location and identify modes of transportation.

Evacuation

Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there, such as:

- A hotel/motel
- The home of friends or relatives a safe distance away
- An evacuation shelter

Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Grab your emergency supply, just like you will in a real emergency, then drive your planned evacuation route. Plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable. Make sure you have locations and maps saved on devices such as cell phones, GPS units, and paper.

Plan for your pets. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels/motels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes. Remember, if it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for your pets either.

If you have enough time before evacuating:

Call, text message, or email the out-of-state contact in your Family Emergency Communication Plan to inform them of where you are going.
Keep your home safe by closing and locking doors and windows.
Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in, unless there is a risk of flooding.
If there is damage to your home and you are told to do so, shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving. Learn how to do this before a disaster from a professional plumber or electrician, your local utility provider, or at Ready.gov.
Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

Plan for Everyone in Your Home

Some members of your household may need special accommodation during an emergency, which means planning is even more crucial.

Create an Emergency Supply Kit

While local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, they may not be able to reach everyone immediately.

It could take hours, or even days, for assistance to reach you. Community lifelines such as energy, water systems, and communications may be cut off for days, weeks, or longer. You may need to leave at a moment’s notice. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last several days. An emergency kit should contain basic items your household needs in the event of an emergency. Being able to take essential items with you quickly is important since you may not have the opportunity to shop or search for supplies.

A home emergency supply kit should include items you believe may be needed to keep your family safe and comfortable during an emergency. Keep your kit clearly labeled in a cool, dry place where it's easily accessible when you need it at home or a shelter. You will need to periodically go through your emergency supply kits to make sure the items in them are not outdated. Go through your supply kits at least every six months to check for food, batteries, and other items that may have expired. To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Basic Emergency Supply Kit Items

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 a 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, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Ready Wisconsin's Emergency Supplies Checklist

If you need to leave your home immediately, be ready to go as quickly as possible. Having a "go bag" in an accessible location ensures you and your family are prepared for any situation. Locations to store a go bag included under a bed, in a closet, or near a door. Each member of your family should have their own go bag. The bag should be easy to carry; consider also having a go bag at work. Like home emergency supply kits, go bags should be updated every six months.

Essential items to include in a go bag:

Bottled water (store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. Try to store more if possible).
Non-perishable food (enough to last three days).
Dust mask – Depending on the emergency, you may need a mask to help protect against contaminated air.
Manual can opener – Your non-perishable food is likely made up of canned food. If you don’t have power, you need a way to open these cans.
Flashlight – Be sure to include extra batteries.
Whistle – A whistle can help you signal for help.
Battery-operated or hand-cranked radio – A radio will help you receive disaster updates and any other information.
First Aid Kit – Conditions during and after a disaster can vary dramatically. You may need to provide immediate care to an injured family member.
Essential pet care items – Your pet is a member of your family. You will want to have enough of their supplies for three days.
Multi-purpose tool – This tool is good for a variety of situations.
Regional maps – If you need to evacuate and have no power or internet access, you may need to rely on a paper map to find your way to safety.

Other items to consider including in your go bag:

Communication plan copies
Duct tape
Multi-tool
Copies of important documents
Essential pet care items
Items for family members with special needs
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Items to care for your infant or baby
Extra house and car keys
Blanket
Rain gear
Clothing
Sturdy shoes
Medication
Toiletries and hygiene items
Pen/pencil and paper

Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle can ensure you have crucial supplies available if you become stranded while driving or are unable to return home due to a disaster.

Items to include in a vehicle emergency kit:

Cell phone car charger
Drinking water
Duct tape
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Flashlight and extra batteries
Foam tire sealant
Jumper cables

Multipurpose utility tool
Nonperishable snacks
Portable electric tire air pump
Rags
Rain poncho
Reflective warning triangles or roadside flares
Tire pressure gauge
Tow strap or tow rope

During colder weather months, include the following:

Blankets and extra warm clothing, hats, and gloves
Cat litter or sand to provide traction
Snow shovel
Windshield ice scraper
Winter boots

During an emergency, it's important to have access to the things your pet needs to remain safe. Build a kit with your pet in mind, which should include many of the same items you would need for the human members of your family.

Pet kits should include the following:

Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes regularly in a waterproof container.
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar, and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container.
Traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier. Ideally one for each pet.
Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner, and other items in case your pet needs cleaning.
Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box, newspaper, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach.
Picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet, a picture will help document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
Familiar items. Put their favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can reduce pet stress.

Prepare Your Critical Documents

While it is not always possible to prevent a natural disaster, it is possible to take steps to protect your family from the financial consequences of a disaster. Conducting a household inventory prior to any disaster can help you document your damaged possessions and their value and assist you in filing claims with your insurance company and in seeking other available assistance.

Make a visual or written record of your possessions, going from room to room. This can be done by photographing, videotaping, or by listing items in a notebook. Record the cost of the item and when it was purchased. Include items in closets such as clothes, towels, and linen as well as items in basements, attics, garages, and storage sheds. Include photographs of the exterior of your house, landscaping, cars, boats or other recreational vehicles. You might also want to make copies of the receipts for more valuable possessions and keep them with copies of other important documents.

Make copies of legal and family documents such as wills, marriage, birth, and death certificates, deeds, tax returns, and insurance policies. Keep the originals in a secure place such as a fire and waterproof box or safe, in a bank safe deposit box, or with a person you trust.

Keep electronic copies of these documents in a password-protected, encrypted format on a removable flash or external hard drive in your fire- and waterproof box or safe, or use a secure cloud-based service.

Keep your household inventory away from the house in a secure location and remember to update it every three years or so.

Here are more detailed checklists and tips to help you prepare financially and document and insure your property.

Take Action

Protect Yourself, Your Property, and Manage Risk

Taking proactive steps now can significantly lower your risk in the face of disasters. Regularly practice your disaster plan with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do when an emergency arises. Review your insurance policies to confirm adequate coverage for potential damages.

Stay Informed

Stay updated on local emergencies by subscribing to various alert and warning systems where you live, work, or frequently visit. Many areas offer text or email notifications, with some utilizing mobile apps for real-time updates. Key places like workplaces and schools might also have their notification systems. Ensure your mobile devices can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).

Ensure You Are Insured

Understanding your insurance needs is crucial for financial recovery after a disaster. Typical homeowners’ and renters’ policies cover structures, personal property, loss-of-use, and liability. Specialized insurance is needed for manufactured homes, businesses, and specific perils. It’s essential to know what risks your insurance covers and to consider additional policies for floods, earthquakes, and other events.

Homeowner's and renter's insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Don't let your hard work be washed away. Anyone can purchase flood insurance, you do not need to be in a Flood Plain. No home is completely safe from potential flooding, flood insurance can be the difference between recovering and being financially devastated. Flood insurance can be paid regardless of whether or not there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration. For more information about what's covered and to find a policy, you can call the National Flood Insurance Program at (877) 336-2627 or visit FloodSmart.gov. With a standard 30-day wait period before coverage begins, purchase flood insurance well in advance of potential threats.

Document Your Property

Keeping a detailed record of your valuables is vital for efficient recovery and insurance claims. Create a comprehensive home inventory using photos or videos, and store this information securely in a portable or cloud-based system. This documentation can also help claim tax benefits for disaster-related losses.

Protect Your Property

Mitigation activities can minimize disaster impacts on your home. Simple actions like trimming trees or adding shutters can make a difference. If building a new home, consider the site’s susceptibility to natural events and ensure construction meets or exceeds safety codes. Existing homes can be retrofitted with reinforced structures and safety rooms. Always inform your insurance agent of any mitigation efforts, as these may qualify you for discounts.