Be Ready for the Next Winter Storm with a Family Emergency Communication Plan #OKice

The holidays offer a great time to develop an emergency communication plan with your family. Knowing how to stay in touch with them in the event of a storm will give you peace of mind. Check out the Prepareathon™ Winter Storm page with free tools, tips, and resources to help you prepare. Planning starts with these three steps: Collect – Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family. Also, include other important contacts, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers. Share – Make sure everyone carries a copy. If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online at ready.gov/make-a-plan, you can print it onto a wallet-sized card. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin board. Practice – Have regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.  Watch this video to learn more about preparing for a winter storm. You can also download the Federal Emergency Management Agency's How to Prepare for a Winter Storm Guide.

FEMA’s Winter Preparedness Guide #OKice

With winter in full swing, prepare for storms of ice, snow, and bitter cold. This year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency released an updated How to Prepare for a Winter Storm Guide. The guide includes a preparedness checklist, tips to stay healthy and warm, and a winter weather check for your car. There are also actions to protect your home and reduce property damage. Share how to prepare for, stay safe during, and recover from a winter storm on your website or social media account. Download the guide today: How to Prepare for a Winter Storm Guide Visit the Prepareathon™ website for more winter preparedness resources.

The ABCs of Back to School Preparedness

With school bells ringing across the Nation, it is time for parents and guardians to get familiar with the emergency plan at your child’s school or daycare. Much like individuals and families, schools and daycare providers should all have site-specific emergency plans. If you are a parent or guardian, it is important to make sure your child’s school or daycare has a plan to ensure his or her safety during an emergency.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outline steps as easy as ABC to keep your child safe at school or daycare:  Ask how you will reunite with your child in an emergency or evacuation. Bring extra medication, special foods, or supplies that your child might need. Complete a backpack contact information card. If your child has an access or functional need, be sure to meet with a school official to discuss plans for how the school will provide for his or her safety. For more information about emergency preparedness for parents, educators, and kids, visit www.ready.gov/kids. Parents, guardians, and teachers can also use the Children and Youth Preparedness Social Media Toolkit to share safety messages on their social media networks.