Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and sometimes without warning. A winter storm could keep your family at home for days. A fire, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could stop water, electricity, and telephone services. You could have to leave your home.

Be prepared for a disaster emergency before it happens. Make a Disaster Supplies Kit for your child and your family. Keep these supplies on hand:

  • Water - a 3-day supply for each household member

  • Food - a 3-day supply for each household member

  • First Aid Kit

  • Essential medications - prescription and over-the-counter

  • Special equipment and supplies for your child with special needs

  • Generator, if your child is dependent of machines using electricity

  • Sanitation supplies (toileting and hygiene)

  • Flashlight with extra batteries

  • Radio with extra batteries

  • Cellular phone with extra battery

  • Cash

  • Extra clothing and bedding

  • Important documents

  • A copy of the Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Needs

  • Important phone numbers

  • Other tools and supplies

Tip: Keep the phone number of an out-of-state contact person in your Disaster Supplies Kit. Sometimes, it is easier to contact a person out-of-state during a disaster.

For more information on Disaster Planning, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-480-2520 or 800-621-3362 (TTY). You can also contact your local American Red Cross Chapter. Many communities have community emergency or disaster teams that work with FEMA and can give families local help.

This information is provided by the Division of Perinatal, Early Childhood, and Special Health Needs within the Department of Public Health.