Resources

Preparedness Center

Practical resources to help you and your family prepare for emergencies before they happen. Being ready isn't fear — it's wisdom.

Get Started

Step 1

Emergency Supply Kits

FEMA recommends having enough supplies for at least 72 hours. A basic kit should include:

💧

Water One gallon per person per day for at least 3 days

🥫

Food 3-day supply of non-perishable items

🔦

Flashlight With extra batteries or hand-crank

🩹

First Aid Kit Basic supplies and a first aid manual

📻

Radio Battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio

🔋

Batteries Extra batteries in various sizes

📋

Documents Copies of IDs, insurance cards, prescriptions

🪙

Cash Small bills in case ATMs are down

Step 2

Family Communication Plan

When disaster strikes, families can get separated. A plan helps everyone know what to do:

Choose an out-of-town contact person everyone can call or text
Identify two meeting spots: one near home, one outside your neighborhood
Make sure every family member has key phone numbers memorized
Know your children's school emergency policies
Plan for pets — most emergency shelters don't accept animals
Establish a group text thread for quick updates

Step 3

Specific Preparedness Guides

⚡ Power Outages

Keep flashlights accessible. Charge devices before storms. Have a manual can opener. Know how to safely use a generator (never indoors). Keep freezer/fridge closed to preserve food.

🌪️ Severe Weather

Identify your safest interior room away from windows. Have a weather radio. Know the difference between a watch and a warning. Have shoes ready in case of broken glass.

🏔️ Evacuation

Know multiple routes out of your area. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Have a "go bag" ready at all times. Know your county's evacuation zones.

🏠 Shelter in Place

Know how to shut off utilities. Have plastic sheeting and duct tape for contamination events. Stay informed via emergency alerts. Keep a 14-day supply of medications.

Local Emergency Resources

West Virginia and Cabell County resources for emergencies and disaster assistance.

WV Emergency Mgmt Ready.gov American Red Cross FEMA