Lead by Example: Quick Tips
- Give blood. Blood donationsexternal icon save lives; in fact, just one can save up to 3 lives.
- Connect with family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they have enough supplies. Offer to help run essential errands (e.g., shop for personal needs and pick-up prescriptions) for those who live alone, have mobility issues, use public transportation, etc.
- Update your emergency supplies every 6 months and as the personal needs of your family change. Remove, use, and replace any food and water, prescription medications, and supplies before they expire.
- Schedule an annual “Brown Bag Review” of your prescription medications with your doctor to discuss the medicines you take, how and when to take them, and what to do in a public health emergency.
- Keep an emergency supplies kit in your car(s) in case of roadside trouble or something worse (e.g., getting stranded in a winter storm). Be prepared with personal needs, including food, water and a first aid kit, and a backup power source for your cellphone. During hurricane season, it is also important to keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.
- Review, rehearse, and revise your family’s Emergency Action Plan every six months or as necessary. Update your plan whenever your family moves, your child changes schools, or you change jobs or phone numbers, have a child, or experience some other significant life event.
- Participate in emergency drills and exercises like the Great ShakeOutexternal icon earthquake drills to show others how to respond during an emergency.
- Set a good example for others, including your neighbors. Don’t hesitate to evacuate if asked to by local authorities. Never ignore an evacuation order. Staying behind to protect your property is not worth the risk to your health and safety.
Page last reviewed: August 18, 2020, 03:15 PM
Content source: Office of Readiness and Response