Family Emergency Preparedness
It's important to plan and prepare your family for emergencies. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.
Start with a list of basic disaster supplies recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If you or someone in your household has special needs, preparing for an emergency may involve additional considerations.
PrepareMetroKC.org also provides regional planning initiatives in the Kansas City Metro area and a planning tool to help you tailor your emergency plan for your family.
Every member of the family can help prepare for a disaster. Ready.gov has tools, games and information for kids, teens, parents and those who work with youth.
Communicate and Stay Informed
Listen for health reports from JCDHE on the radio or television and on this website. Important information will also be posted on social media. Follow JCDHE at X (@JOCOHealth), Facebook (@jocohealthdept), Instagram (@jocohealthdept), Threads (@jocohealthdept) and YouTube (@JCDHEKS).
Keep an emergency contact list for family, friends or others needing your care or assistance. If you will need special assistance during an emergency, keep a contact list of those who can help you.
Reach out and connect with the people geographically closest to you with these “Know Your Neighbor” cards (English or Spanish). Print the cards for yourself to fill out and give to those around you to stay connected and safer during times of disaster or emergency. You can also pick up the cards at Johnson County Library branches. Watch this video (English or Spanish) to learn how these cards can make a difference in your neighborhood.
Get Involved in Your Community
You can provide support to local public health agencies and emergency management departments in an emergency by visiting the Mid-America Medical Reserve Corps and Olathe CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) websites.
Information on local emergency management training opportunities and emergency and disaster planning templates can be found at Johnson County Emergency Management.
FEMA offers several individual and community preparedness programs that will help you get your community involved in preparedness activities.
The American Red Cross Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri Chapter serves more than 1.5 million people in a five-county area with disaster preparedness and relief programs, health and safety training, and blood collection and distribution.
Information on public health-related disasters, as well as detailed information on possible bioterrorism agents, is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emergency Preparedness & Response website.