Be Ready

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We can all take action to prepare for when a disaster may strike. We can all help first responders in our community by learning how to be prepared for an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes, where we live, work, and where we visit.

This toolkit is intended to help you make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed for any and all emergencies that may occur. Use the resources in this section to create a plan and kit that will be useful for you, your family, and your workplace.

Make a Plan

Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to think about situations and plan just in case. Consider the following when making a plan:

How will my family/household get emergency alerts and warnings?
How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant emergencies?
How will my family/household get in touch if cell phone service, the internet, or landlines don't work?
How will I let my loved ones know I am safe?
How will my family/household get to a meeting place after the emergency?

Click here for examples of how to make a plan.

Build a Kit

A disaster kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may need to evacuate or shelter in place at a moment's notice. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own water, food, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours.

Click here for examples of how to build a kit.

Stay Informed

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make a difference when seconds count. Knowing when emergencies may be or are occurring is vital. Know information for each type of disaster that may affect you and learn how to prepare for them. Sign up for an emergency alert system like NotifyATL, the City of Atlanta's mass notification system, ReadyGeorgia, and local news media alerts. Also, during an emergency, a NOAA Weather Radio is helpful to get real time weather alerts.

General Situational Awareness Bulletins