Consider the Needs of Your Family

Every family is unique, and your emergency plans and emergency supply kit should be adjusted based on the specific needs of your loved ones. Below is some information on considerations for some populations, but you may need to make additional considerations for other situations.

Infants and Children

Infants and children may not always understand what is going on during an emergency situation. Keeping them informed, in an age-appropriate manner, can go a long way in ensuring their safety during an emergency. Additionally, practicing family emergency plans as children age can help to make sure they know what they are supposed to do in different situations. Just as children have fire drills at school, your family can run your own shelter-in-place or evacuation drills!

Additional items to consider including in your emergency kit for infants and/or children:

Diapers and wipes
Formula
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities

For additional information on preparing with kids, including fun preparedness games to get the whole family involved, visit https://www.ready.gov/kids.

Older Adults

As an older adult or someone with older adults to consider while planning for emergencies, there may be additional factors to take into consideration. Planning ahead is especially important for older adults so they can ensure their needs are accommodated during and after an emergency.

Some older adults feel uncomfortable when their routine is disrupted. Having a plan can help them to feel more at ease during an emergency situation, because they know what to do in the given situation. Additionally, having a strong support network can help older adults to feel connected to their community.

Consider this:

Are there medical conditions or dietary requirements that require specific care or medication?
What mobility challenges or disabilities need to be planned for?
How will you get information from Emergency Services and local family members?
Can you establish a communication strategy with a nearby neighbor to have someone check on you after the emergency? Can you provide them with a key to your home if needed?
Do you have a completed and up-to-date will?
Do you know the availability of your clinic/hospital/care providers during an emergency? Can you identify backup services if your primary becomes unavailable?

For additional information on preparing for older adults, visit https://www.ready.gov/older-adults.

People with Disabilities

For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs in order to effectively prepare for emergencies. Disabilities can impact people in a variety of ways, both visibly and invisibly. Having an individualized plan will help to ensure that your specific needs are accommodated.

Consider this:

Are there medical conditions or dietary requirements that require specific care or medication?
What mobility challenges or disabilities need to be planned for?
Can you inform your support network about where you keep your emergency supplies, and/or provide someone in your network with a key to your home?
Do you know the availability of your clinic/hospital/care providers during an emergency? Can you identify backup services if your primary becomes unavailable?

For additional information on preparing for older adults, visit https://www.ready.gov/disability.

Pets and Large Animals

Pets are an important part of the family and including them in your emergency plans can ensure their safety during an emergency. Make sure that both your plans and emergency kit are built with your pets in mind.

Additional items to consider including in your emergency kit for pets:

Food – stored in a waterproof container
Water – including a water bowl
Medication – any medication that your pet needs on a daily basis
Pet First Aid Kit – talk with your veterinarian about what might be most necessary for your pet
Collar with ID Tag
Leash and Harness
Crate or Sturdy Carrier
Sanitation Needs – such as a litter box or plastic bags for pet waste clean-up
Familiar Items – packing a favorite toy or blanket that smells like home may help your pet to remain calm during turbulent conditions

Consider this:

Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Make sure your evacuation plan includes pet-friendly locations and methods of travel.
Plan with neighbors, friends, or family to check on your pet in the event you are unable.
Have your pet microchipped.

Large animals (horses, cows, goats, pigs, etc.):

Whenever possible, prepare or evacuate larger animals in advance.
Make the appropriate vehicles and trailers needed for transporting each type of animal available, and ensure they have experienced handlers/drivers with them.
Ensure animals have ample supply of food and water.
If evacuation is not possible, animal owners should decide whether to move large animals to a barn or to turn them loose outside.

For additional information on preparing with pets, visit https://www.ready.gov/pets.