Prepare for Emergencies

Now is a good time to make a plan for yourself and your family in the event of an emergency. Planning before disaster strikes enables you and members of your family to be prepared and ready to react on a moment's notice. Being prepared means having food, water, and supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Visit Ready.Gov to be informed, plan ahead and to take action in the event of a disaster.

Emergency Kit (JPG)

Subscribe to Receive Important Emergency Information

Communication & Notifications

Know important Emergency Contact Numbers to call in case of an emergency.

Emergency Plan

Make a family emergency plan:

  • Read and fill out your family's CT Ready! Personal Preparedness Guide
  • Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
  • Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you've listed them as emergency contacts.
  • Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life. Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones.
  • Subscribe to critical emergency alert services.

Assemble a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit 

To assemble your Basic Disaster Kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.  A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items: 

  • Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit: Build a first aid kid and also refer to the Red Cross recommendations on what items to include in your kit.
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
  • See Ready.gov for additional recommendations and suggestions

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Glasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler's checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it's ready when needed:

  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
  • Replace expired items as needed
  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family's needs change

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

  • Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
  • Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a "grab and go" case.
  • Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Possessions

Ways to protect your possessions:

  •  It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
  • Review your policy with an agent, or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
  • Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
  • Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.