You are never too young or too old to get prepared for an emergency or a disaster. By learning about severe weather, fire safety, and disaster preparedness, kids can help Mom and Dad get the family ready to deal with an emergency. Below is some information to help you prepare your family and your pets for an emergency.

If an emergency happens, like a flood or tornado or major chemical spill, it can be hard or even impossible to get hold of the basics of life (like clean water and food). Protect your family by preparing an Emergency Supply Kit before an emergency happens!  Below are some ideas of what to include in your family's kit.       

(Source: Ready.gov)

      A family's Emergency Supply Kit should include:

• Clean drinking water (1 gallon per person per day - plan for at least 3 day's worth of water)
• At least 3 day's worth of food (make sure it's something that doesn't need to be in a refrigerator and won't easily spoil, like canned food)
• A battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio (with extra batteries)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape (to block contaminated air from entering your house)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• A wrench or pliers (to turn utilities off)
• Non-electric can opener
• Local maps

     Other things that might be included in an Emergency Kit:

• Prescription medicines and glasses
• Formula and diapers (if there is a baby in your family)
• Important family documents in waterproof bags (like insurance papers and bank records)
• Cash or travelers checks
• First Aid books or other emergency reference materials
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Change of clothes for each person, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and an eye dropper (to disinfect water -- see tip below)
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches (in a waterpoof container)
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates & plastic silverware, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for kids

*Tip for disinfecting water:   If you can't get hold of fresh or bottled drinking water and you don't have a way to boil water, you can disinfect water using regular bleach.  Add 8 drops (or 1/8 teaspoon) of household chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. Don't use special bleaches with scents or added cleaners or bleach that says it's color-safe! Stir the water well and then let it sit for 30 minutes before using it. Store it in a clean, covered container.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Pets are members of the family, too, and just like the rest of you, your pet needs to be ready for emergencies. Follow the tips below to make sure your favorite dog or cat or bird (or whatever!) is prepared!

(Source: Fema for Kids)

     A Pet Disaster Kit should include:

• Pet food and treats
• Drinkable water in plastic bottles
• Non-electric can opener (if your pet eats canned food)
• Pet medications and medical records (in a waterproof container)
• Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
• A current photo of your pet (in case they get lost)
• The name and phone number of your pet's vet
• Pet bed and toys (if you have room)
• Pet's collar and identification tag (make sure they are wearing them!)

     Other ways to prepare your pet:

• Make a list of "pet friendly" hotels or motels in your area -- keep this with your Disaster Kit.
• Make a list of local boarding facilities or vets' offices that can give your pet shelter during an emergency -- keep this with your Disaster Kit as well!
• If you know bad weather or other emergencies are headed your way (Tornado Warnings, Severe Storm Warnings), keep your pets indoors so you don't have to go looking for them when it's time to seek shelter or evacuate!

For more information on Pets and Disasters, visit www.fema.gov/kids/pets.htm