Make Your Plan

When developing your family's disaster plan, you should assemble and make copies of vital contact information for each family member. Use Ready New York's Emergency Reference Card to capture this information.

Gather Supplies

Go Bag

Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry. Your Go Bag should be sturdy and easy to carry, like a backpack or a small suitcase on wheels. You'll need to customize your Go Bag for your personal needs, but some of the important things you need in your Go Bag include:

Bottled water and nonperishable food, such as granola bars

Copies of your important documents in a waterproof container (e.g., insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage and birth certificates, copies of credit and ATM cards)

Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries

List of the medications you take, why you take them, and their dosages

Contact information for your household and members of your support network

Cash, in small bills

Notepad and pen

Back-up medical equipment (e.g., glasses, batteries) and chargers

Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires Doctors' names and phone numbers

First-aid kit

Toiletries

Child care, pet care, and other special items

Supplies for your service animal or pet (e.g., food, extra water, bowl, leash, cleaning items, vaccination records, and medications)

Portable cell phone chargers

If you have children, pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys.

If you're older or have any special medical needs, consider including these items:

Instructions and extra batteries for any devices you use

Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires

Back-up medical equipment

Items to comfort you in a stressful situation

If you have a pet or service animal, you need to pack a Go Bag for them:

A current color photograph of you and your pet/service animal together (in case you are separated)

Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet/service animal takes and why he or she takes them

Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information

Physical description of your pet/service animal, including species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior

Animal first aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian

Food and water for at least three days

Food and water dishes

Collapsible cage or carrier

Muzzle* and sturdy leash (*Note: Nylon muzzles should only be used temporarily as they can restrict a dog’s ability to pant)

Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet/service animal calm

Comforting toys or treats

Litter, litter pan, and litter scoop

Plastic bags for clean-up

Include items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, including hand sanitizer, and face coverings for each person.* (*Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 2. They also should not be used by people having trouble breathing, or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to remove the mask without assistance. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))

Emergency Supply Kit

Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for up to seven days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight saving times.

One gallon of drinking water per person per day

Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned foods, and a manual can opener

First-aid kit

Medications, including a list of the medications you take, why you take them, and dosages

Flashlight or battery-powered lantern, battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries, or wind-up batteries that do not require batteries

Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)

Glow sticks

Whistle or bell

Back-up medical equipment, if possible (e.g., oxygen, medication, scooter battery, hearing aids, mobility aids, glasses, facemasks, gloves)

Style and serial numbers of medical devices (such as pacemakers) and usage instructions

Child care supplies or other special care items

Consider adding items that you may need for emergencies like winter storms and heat waves.

Winter weather supplies:

Blankets, sleeping bags, extra newspapers for insulation

Extra mittens, socks, scarves and hat, raingear and extra clothes

Hot weather supplies:

Light, loose clothing

Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)

Emergency meal preparation supplies in case of a power outage, such as disposable plates, cups, and utensils

Regardless of the season, it's a good idea to prepare for an in-car emergency. Assemble an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, and consider adding the following items for winter conditions: