Emergency Planning Guide

Your Disaster Preparedness Checklist

Being prepared can save lives. This guide helps you and your family prepare for emergencies before they happen.

IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN

In the first 24 hours of a disaster:

Ensure family members are safe and accounted for

Listen to local emergency broadcasts and follow instructions

Contact emergency services (911) if medical help needed

Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary

Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled

Document damage with photos for insurance claims

Contact family members outside the disaster area

W34P FOUNDATION EMERGENCY CONTACTS

📞 +1-828-467-8396

📧 info@w34pfoundation.org

Available 24/7 for disaster response coordination and assistance

BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES

Preparation Timeline:

NOW (This Week)

Create a family communication plan with out-of-area contact

Identify safe places in each room of your home

Write down important phone numbers and addresses

Essential Emergency Kit Checklist

Keep supplies in an accessible, clearly marked location

💧 Water & Food (2-week supply recommended)

1 gallon of water per person per day

Non-perishable food (canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter)

Can opener (manual)

Pet food and water (if applicable)

🏥 Medical & First Aid

First aid kit and instruction manual

Prescription medications (30-day supply)

Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, cold medicine)

Medical equipment (glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids)

Medical alert identification

🔦 Tools & Light Sources

Flashlights with extra batteries (multiple sources)

Battery-powered or hand crank radio

Candles and matches (in waterproof container)

Multi-tool or knife

📱 Communication & Documents

Portable phone charger/power bank

Important documents (copies in waterproof bag)

Cash and credit cards

Emergency contact information card

🛡️ Safety & Sanitation

N95 masks and gloves

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Toilet paper and hygiene items

Trash bags and plastic ties

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Clothing & Shelter

Change of clothes for each family member

Sturdy shoes and work gloves

Blankets or sleeping bags

Tent or emergency shelter

Family Communication Plan

Family Member	Cell Phone	Out-of-State Contact

Out-of-State Contact Person:

Name: _________________ Phone: _________________ Email: _________________

Evacuation Preparation

Know Your Risk

Identify what disasters are likely in your area (floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires)

Know your evacuation zones and routes

Identify alternative routes out of your area

Evacuation Checklist

Keep gas tank at least half full during storm season

Maintain vehicle in good working condition

Have car insurance and home insurance documentation

Know where family members are at all times during threat

Pack "go bag" with important documents and essentials

Special Needs Planning

For Elderly Family Members

List all medications and medical conditions

Have copies of important medical records

Identify transportation assistance if needed

For Pets

Keep pet carriers accessible and labeled

Have pet food, water, and medications ready

Keep recent photos of pets (for identification)

Know pet-friendly shelters and hotels in your area

Home Hardening

Trim trees and remove dead branches

Secure roof and loose items outside

Install storm shutters or plywood covers for windows

Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity

Recovery Steps

Week 1 - Immediate Recovery

Document all damage with photos and video

Contact insurance company with documentation

Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage

Keep all receipts for recovery expenses

Month 1-3 - Short-term Recovery

Apply for FEMA assistance if eligible

Work with insurance adjuster on claims

Seek emotional support and counseling if needed

Look into low-interest disaster loans

Connect with community support programs

Month 3+ - Long-term Recovery

Complete major repairs and reconstruction

Update insurance coverage to prevent future losses

Evaluate mitigation improvements

Update emergency preparedness plan

Financial Assistance Resources

Program	Contact
FEMA Disaster Assistance	1-800-621-3362
SBA Disaster Loans	1-800-659-2955
Red Cross Assistance	1-800-733-2767

Emotional & Mental Health Support

Talk with family about disaster experience

Seek professional counseling if experiencing trauma

Connect with support groups in your community

Maintain healthy routines and self-care practices

Staying Prepared Year-Round

Quarterly Checklist

Check expiration dates on medications and supplies

Update family emergency contacts

Review and practice evacuation routes

Test batteries in flashlights and radios

Questions? Need Help?
W34P Foundation Inc. Disaster Response Network
📞 +1-828-467-8396 | 📧 info@w34pfoundation.org
🌐 www.w34pfoundation.org

We're here to help coordinate your disaster response and recovery.