Preparedness begins by understanding the potential hazards, such as severe weather. Know your surroundings and stay informed. Know how you will respond and have emergency supplies ready.
1. Be Informed
Being informed about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live will help you create a plan appropriate for you.
2. Make a Plan
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance.
Family Emergency Plan
- Identify an emergency out-of town contact.
- Verify that every member of your family knows the phone numbers in the plan.
- Program your emergency contacts(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone.
- Teach family members how to use text messaging.
Planning to Stay or Go
- Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should plan for both possibilities.
- In any emergency, local authorities or Wright State may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening or what you should do. DO NOT CALL 911 unless you have an emergency.
- Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified.
- Emergency radio and TV broadcasts are most common.
- You might hear a warning siren, get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door.
- Subscribe to alert services. Check with your local Emergency Management Agency for availability.
- At Wright State, various methods may be used to notify you of an emergency including, the Simplex® building notification system, emergency text messaging, email, Wright State University homepage postings, local TV and radio, and others.
As Wright State University student, staff, or faculty, you can sign up for Wright State Alert! to get info regarding emergencies that affect our campuses (go to WINGS Express, choose Personal Information, then choose "opt-in text message" and provide the information requested).
- Download and complete the Family Emergency Plan template.
- List and distribute contact information to your family
- Identify a common meeting place for your family to meet in emergency situations.
- Understand how to care for your pets in a disaster.
- Inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time.
For information about emergency plannning and written plans at Wright State, explore the Wright State University Emergency Management website or email email@example.com with your questions.
3. Build a Kit
A basic emergency supply kit could include:
- Water, one gallon of water, per person, for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.
- Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with batteries for both.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First Aid Kit. For more information on building a First Aid Kit, go here.
- Whistle to signal help.
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting 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 charger, inverter, or solar charger.