How to Prepare for a Disaster

Knowing what to expect and the steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family. Disasters can happen anytime and anyplace. When a disaster strikes you may have only a short time to respond or prepare for the consequences. An accidental release of a hazardous chemical could mean a need for sheltering-in-place or an immediate evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family to your home. A flood or tornado could cut off basic services in the community; things like gas, water, and electricity for days. The effects of a disaster can be sudden and devastating.

To reduce the effects of a disaster you can prepare and plan ahead for your family. Below is a list of things you can do to prepare now, before disaster strikes.

Every household’s emergency preparations should include:

1. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

   Know how to get emergency information from multiple locations.

   • Cass County uses an emergency notification system called Cass Clay Alerts. In order to receive alerts, you must sign-up and keep your information up to date. Sign up for Cass Clay Alerts
     
     

   Phone Alerts
   There are multiple ways to receive warnings at your fingertips:

   • Wireless Emergency Alerts
   • WEA -Weather Apps
   • Cass Clay Alerts
   • Social Media
   • The City of Fargo and Cass County use Cass Clay Alerts to reach citizens through phone, text and email. Sign-up to receive Cass Clay Alerts at CassClayAlerts.gov or (701) 476-4068

    
   Local Media

   Tune into local radio or TV stations: Emergency messages will be broadcast over local media channels, and local meteorologists will give important weather information.

   Outdoor Sirens

   When sirens sound, immediately go indoors and turn on a local TV or radio station to find out what the threat is. Outdoor warning sirens alert us to chemical spills, severe weather and other outdoor emergencies. Do not assume there is no emergency because skies are clear.

   Weather Radios

   You can rely on weather radios when other forms of communication fail or power is lost. These radios receive National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazardous information, 24 hours a day.

2. COMMUNICATION PLAN

   Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. Use a template or create your own family communication plan. More information on family communications plan can be found here.

3. EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

   Your emergency supply kit should include everything your family needs to survive for at least 72 hours. Don't forget to include items for your pets. Find more information here. 

Learn More

Visit Ready.gov for emergency preparedness guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.