ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The National Safety Council and the Federal Emergency Management Agency want to remind everyone to be prepared for emergencies.
Whether natural or manmade, disasters can strike at any time. It's important for you and your family to have a planned response whenever or wherever an event happens.
In 2023, 75,104 weather events resulted in 877 deaths and 3,857 injuries. Heat, wildfires, and tornadoes were responsible for most deaths. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are an average of 12,000 to 14,000 earthquakes in the United States every year. There were 199 earthquakes in the United States just on one day – Aug. 15, 2025.
No matter what the cause of the event, do you have a plan?
When you face an emergency, try to stay informed through radio, TV or the Internet. Often, however, cable, electric and cell phone service will be disabled, making communication nearly impossible. That is why it is very important to have a plan.
This month is a great opportunity to take steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Preparedness starts by getting back to the essentials. FEMA provides four key actions you can take to prepare for any disaster you and your family may face:
Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
- How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is your shelter plan?
- What is your evacuation route?
- What is your family/household communication plan?
- Do you need to update your emergency/preparedness kit?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
- Different ages and abilities of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Dietary needs
- Medical/disabilities needs, including prescriptions, functional needs like devices and equipment
- Pets or service animals
Step 3: Document your family emergency plan.
- You may not be together when disaster strikes, so it’s important for everyone to know how you’ll reconnect if separated.
- Rally points – On your street, in your community, outside your region.
- First call contact names – household, family or friends (at least one outside your region)
- Phone list – emergency, family, utility and contact phone numbers
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, etc. – in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box)
Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household.
- Practicing your Emergency Plan will help you remain calm in times of emergency. Make drills a game with children so it is not as scary.
Pro tips from the National Safety Council:
- Download free preparedness resources at ready.gov/be-informed.
- Create a free emergency communication plan on ready.gov/plan-form.
- Make sure at least one family member knows first aid and CPR. Training can be found at https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/first-aid.
- Know how to shut off utilities.
Basic home emergency kit suggestions packaged in a grab-and-go container for convenience from the National Safety Council:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- Three days’ worth of nonperishable protein-packed foods you can cook without electricity, such as tuna, peanut butter and granola bars. Don't forget about food for your pets.
- Manual can opener.
- Hand-crank or battery-powered radio with extra batteries.
- Hand-crank flashlight with extra batteries.
- Chargers – phone, laptop, etc.
- First Aid Kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress.
- Extra keys to your house and car.
- Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills.
- A copy of your emergency plan and contact information.
- If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water, and medication for your pets or service animal.
- Other items that you may need (personalize according to your needs).
- Hand sanitizer and garbage bags for sanitation.
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case of broken windows or a leaky roof.
- Whistle to signal for help so rescuers can locate you.
Listen to the radio or television for information from authorities. Local officials may advise you to stay where you are. Follow their instructions.
In closing, update your emergency plans every year. Review your contact information, practice your emergency evacuation plans and restock your kits.
We never know when an emergency may happen. Having a plan and supplies allows us to have the tools we need to get through it.
Take care of each other.