Personal & Family Preparedness
Get a Kit
Having a disaster supply kit is essential to making it through a disaster safely. Make sure to have supplies on hand to last each person at least three days. Some of the critical items you should have in your kit are listed below.
Put these essential items in your kit:
- Food, at least a three-day supply of food that does not need electricity for storage or for preparation
- Water, at least three gallons per person for drinking and sanitation
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a weather alerting radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Written family emergency plan and kit checklist
A more comprehensive list of essential and suggested items can be found at
http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit .
Make a Plan
It is vital that you understand what a disaster could mean for you and your family. Some of the items you should consider for your personal or family planning are below, with a more comprehensive list at http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit .
Family Emergency Plan
- Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
- Take a first aid, CPR or other class so that you have the knowledge to help yourself and others if needed.
- Decide now where you and your family will meet in case you can't return home because of an emergency.
For Older Virginians
- Does your apartment complex, assisted living facility or nursing home have emergency plans? Find out what it is and practice it.
- Identify what equipment you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available.
- People who need special help or transportation during an evacuation should contact their local emergency manager , who can offer advice about what to do during an evacuation.
- If you undergo routine treatments at a clinic or hospital, or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network.
For People with Disabilities
- Create a support network. If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, talk to family, friends and others who will be part of your personal support team, and write down and share each aspect of your emergency plan with them.
- People who need special help or transportation during an evacuation should contact their local emergency manager , who can offer advice about what to do during an evacuation.
For Pets
- Henrico County emergency shelters DO allow pets if accompanied by their owners. Pets allowed in shelters include standard household pets, such as dogs and cats. To see if your pet can be housed in a Henrico County emergency shelter, call the Henrico Animal Protection Unit at 804.501.5000 or email them at police@co.henrico.va.us .
- Get a pet emergency supply kit.
Stay Informed
Before, during and after a disaster, it is critical that you listen for the most local, up-to-date information from emergency officials. Local media will convey instructions from local, state and federal government partners, such as:
- Orders to evacuate
- Details about evacuation routes
- Locations of evacuation shelters
- How to safely stay where you are
- Where to find assistance
- Weather warnings and watches
Make sure your battery-powered radio is working in case the electricity goes out. Have extra batteries on hand.
It's also important to know what kinds of threats could affect where you live. In Henrico County , we often face severe thunderstorms that generate flooding and wind damage, but may also face hurricanes.
Sign up for emergency alert systems such as Henrico Alert or CAPITALERT.
Get Involved
Serving as a volunteer before, during, and after a disaster is not only personally fulfilling, but with your help Henrico County will be better prepared to support its residents in their greatest time of need.
Volunteer Opportunities in Henrico County