Recent events have left many concerned about the health and safety of their families and themselves.  However, there are things you can do to prepare.  Yuma County is subject to year-round conditions which can pose a threat or create a disaster situation.  Extreme heat, severe storms, floods, earthquakes, utility failure, hazardous materials spill, or acts of terrorism may require the implementation of an emergency preparedness plan.   Public information will provide you with more information during emergencies. 

Family Preparedness

Be Informed

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a key part of being prepared and protected. Be aware of the types of emergency situations that may impact the area you live in. Do you live in an earthquake-prone area? Frequent flooding? All of these things affect how you prepare your family for disasters. It is also critical to know how to receive local emergency alerts and warnings, and how emergency managers will provide information to the community during disasters. 

Make a Plan

Talk with your family about how to respond to a disaster if it were to happen.

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?
5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

Tailor your plan and disaster kit to meet your specific daily living needs and responsibilities.  Everyone has a circle of people or businesses that assist you with your needs.  Services such as child care, pet or special needs such as operating specialized medical equipment.  Consider this circle when developing your plan.

1. Different ages of members within your household
2. Responsibilities for assisting others
3. Locations frequented
4. Dietary needs
5. Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
6. Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
7. Languages spoken
8. Cultural and religious considerations
9. Pets or service animals
10. Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own plan

Family Emergency Communication Plan

 

Disaster Kit

A disaster kit is a collection of items that could be needed during an emergency. These kits can be created to use at home, work, or in a vehicle. When creating these kits think not only of a situation where you shelter at home but also if an evacuation is necessary. Being prepared to take essential items such as medications with you is very important. Download a printable version below.

Emergency Supply Kits 

Things that you should consider for a disaster kit include:

• Water – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days
• Food – non-perishable, easy to make items at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list, medical information, insurance policies, birth certificates)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Emergency blanket
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Multi-purpose tool with a can opener for food
• Map(s) of the local area
• Extra cash
• Cell phone with chargers
• Prescription medications (7 day supply)
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

  ·      Extra set of car and house keys

• Masks for everyone ages 2 and above, soap, hand sanitizer, disfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Also remember the needs of all family members and add those supplies to your kit. These specific needs may include items such as:

• Hearing aids with extra batteries
• Glasses, contacts, contact lense solution
• Walking aids such as canes
• Baby supplies such as diapers, formula
• Pet supplies such as leash and collar, proof of vaccinations, food         

Other preparations you can make that can help keep you and your family healthy include:

• Getting a Yearly Influenza Vaccine
• Keeping Your Immunizations Current
• Washing Your Hands Often

 Special populations, and individuals with access or functional needs

• Emergency planning for those with access and functional needs is essential.  In addition to creating an emergency plan, you will need to consider each individual’s circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.  

 Business Preparedness

If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan that is regularly practiced.

Prepare your business for the unthinkable, create an emergency plan.

• Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to better filter potential contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.
• Think about what to do if your employees can’t go home.
• Make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.
• Create a supply kit
• Depending on the situation you could be asked to evacuate or to shelter-in-place. It is best to be prepared for either

 School Preparedness

If you are a school, Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 15-341(A)(31) requires each school site to have an emergency response plan that meets the minimum state requirements. The Arizona Schools Emergency Response Plan Minimum Requirements  guidance document provides the required elements that must be included in every school’s emergency response plan. If you are a school looking for additional information and questions regarding your School Emergency Operations Plan, you can contact Yuma County Emergency Management at (928) 817-8499.

Arizona Department of Education - School Preparedness