Office of Work-Life Programs -
Family Readiness Program

Are you and your family ready for an emergency?

Emergencies such as natural disasters and an influenza pandemic have the potential of disrupting thousands of lives. One may affect you and your family. When emergencies occur, the Coast Guard is likely to be among the first responders. Military and civilian organizations focus on the most critical needs first. Coast Guard families should be prepared manage on their own for at least three days. Preparing for emergencies doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, but it brings peace of mind. It could keep an emergency from turning into a disaster for you and your family. Failure to prepare can put yourself, your family, and your property in jeopardy.

Take these three simple steps to prepare -- Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Get a Kit
Assemble a collection of first aid supplies, food, water, medicines, and important papers that can sustain you and your family until a crisis passes. Consider the unique needs of your family and pets, then assemble emergency supply kits in your home, car, and workplace.

Make a Plan
You and your family members may not be together when an emergency strikes. Planning ahead for various emergencies will improve your chances of keeping in touch, staying safe, and quickly reuniting.

Be Informed
Emergencies can arise from weather and other natural hazards, industrial and transportation accidents, influenza pandemics, and terrorist acts. Anticipate the emergencies most likely to affect you and your family. Knowing what to do can make all the difference when seconds count.

Resources
The following websites offer more information, including useful links and checklists:

• Ready Campaign (www.ready.gov) - Information, checklists, and printable forms to educate and empower Americans to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Defense. Listo America (www.listo.gov/america) is the Spanish version of Ready.gov.
• American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) - Preparedness guides and information for home, school, work, and community. The Safe and Well List (https://disastersafe.redcross.org) provides a way for disaster victims to communicate with family members about their well-being.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) - Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the principal federal agency for protecting the health and safety of all Americans.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov/plan) - FEMA’s “Plan Ahead” site offers information on the range of natural and manmade disasters and guidance for protecting your family and property. Are You Ready? (www.fema.gov/areyouready) is a comprehensive online and downloadable resource on individual, family, and community preparedness.
• PandemicFlu.gov/AvianFlu.gov (www.pandemicflu.gov) - The most current information on pandemic and avian flu from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• World Health Organization (www.who.int) - Resources for epidemic and pandemic alert and response issues.