It can be overwhelming and sad to see the devastation in California. On the East Coast, many people have responded by generously donating to help people rebuild their lives. While there is not much else New Yorkers can do from afar, they can use this situation as an opportunity to learn how to prepare for emergencies or natural disasters at home. Prepare for an emergency the same way you prepare for anything: research and plan. Follow along for the steps to get started. 

Risk Assessment  

The first step is finding out what kinds of natural disasters or emergencies could happen in the area. Some of the natural disasters that might occur in Putnam County are floods, winter storms, droughts, wildfires, tropical storms or hurricanes, and tornadoes. Depending on the location and severity of these, staying home or evacuating might be recommended by local authorities. That is why a plan should be created for both. This is also a good time to assess your home for issues that may hinder your plans. For example, dead trees can damage property or block roads if they fall during a weather event. Checking for leaks or running toilets can conserve water during a drought.  

Evacuation Planning 

Start by identifying where you will go if authorities advise evacuation. Map out at least two routes on paper in case of internet outages. If you have pets or people with special needs, make sure your evacuation spot will be able to accommodate them. Know how you will leave your house and practice. Have a go-bag ready near your exit point and always keep at least half a tank of gas. Create a plan for meeting up with family and communicating with them if you are separated. More information about evacuation can be found at ready.gov/evacuation.  

Staying in Touch  

Whether evacuating or staying home, you should plan for how you will stay in touch with others, and how you will stay up to date on evolving situations. Maintain electronic and paper emergency contact lists, including local emergency service numbers. Staying up to date on evolving situations can be as simple as turning on the news. Following reliable sources, like the Bureau of Emergency Services or your town supervisor, on social media will provide you with accurate information as well. Be sure to sight up for NY Alert for email, text, or phone call notifications for severe weather, transportation, public health, and more.  

Community Preparedness 

Once you have a plan for your household, share your emergency plan with family, friends, and neighbors. Check with your town or village to see if they have other notification systems for hyperlocal alerts. Your electric and internet providers should also have systems to notify you of events impacting their services.  

Make sure to check on your neighbors during and after emergency events once it is safe.  

Personal Preparedness  

After you have your plans set, putting together go-bags and emergency kits are essential, time-saving steps.  

Start your go-bag in a backpack or duffel bag and add essentials to last you three days. Each person in your household should have a go-bag. The best place to keep them is in an easy to grab spot, like a closet near the front door or garage.  

Here are some suggestions for your go-bag:  

• Clothing 

• Prescriptions, vitamins, contacts and other medical needs 

• Important papers 

• First aid kit 

• Pet supplies 

• Cash 

• Battery or hand crank radio 

• Solar charger and cords for your devices 

• A map with evacuation routes 

• Diapers, formula and other baby supplies 

• Anything else you and your family will need if you must evacuate for several days 

Start your emergency kit by gathering food, water and other supplies to last for several days. Your emergency kit should be in one or two easy to carry containers like plastic bins and stored in a cool, dry place. 

Items to add to your emergency kit include: 

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day 

• Food: a 3 day supply of non-perishables 

• Battery or hand crank radio 

• Flashlight 

• First Aid kit 

• Extra batteries 

• Fire extinguisher 

• Can opener 

• Hand sanitizer 

• Disinfecting wipes 

• Prescriptions, vitamins, contacts and other medical needs 

• Diapers, formula and other baby supplies 

• Pet food and supplies 

• Anything else you and your family will need if you must shelter at home for several days. 

You can find more ideas for items to include in your go-bags and emergency kits at ready.gov/kit. Don’t forget to put copies of important documents in go-bags and emergency kits.  

Gathering Documents  

Pulling together your important documents is a crucial step in preparing for emergencies. Consider storing this important paperwork in a fireproof and/or waterproof box or safe. Keeping papers copies in your go-bag will save a lot of time during an evacuation and could help with recovery efforts if needed. Keep electronic copies of these documents in a secure, password protected format. Examples of important documents are things like: 

• Identification 

• Driver’s License 

• Social security card 

• Passport 

• Birth certificate 

• Marriage certificate 

• Adoption paperwork 

• Financial 

• Mortgage paperwork or a deed 

• Car title 

• Insurance policies 

• Medical 

• Insurance cards 

• Living will 

• List of medications/conditions/allergies 

Periodically review plans and ensure contents of go bags and emergency kits are in working order and not expired. Having a prepared mind and home can give even a little peace of mind during an emergency. More emergency preparedness information, including how to respond to specific threats, can be found at ready.gov.