MAKE A PLAN

The best way to stay safe during an emergency is to plan ahead.

Talk About It

A disaster can strike at any time. It’s important to know what emergencies are most likely to occur in your area, and then start talking about those risks with your family.

Sit down with your family and ask yourselves these questions:

  • How will we know an emergency has or is occurring? What alerts do I receive?

  • Where will we take shelter?

  • How will we evacuate if needed?

  • How will we communicate with each other?

  • Is my emergency kit up to date?

  • What are the specific needs of each family member?

Create a Plan

The most important part of any plan is knowing how you and your family will reconnect if an emergency occurs while you are apart or if you are separated.

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

Sign up for local emergency alerts, like AMA Alerts, to be notified of hazards and emergencies in Potter and Randall County. Federal agencies may send out alerts via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) to WEA-enabled mobile devices in the area. Know to tune to one of the local EAS stations, KGNC-AM (710) or KGNC-FM (97.9).

Sign up for AMA Alerts >

Know Where to Shelter

There are several different types of sheltering. It is important to know when to use each and how.

  • Shelter in place: Assess the situation around you to determine if it is safer to shelter in place or seek alternative shelter.

  • Stay home: If stay at home orders have been implemented, stay indoors as much as possible, and limit visitors.

  • Go to mass sheltering: This may be necessary if you are the survivor of a disaster. Be sure to take your emergency kit with you.

Build an Emergency Kit

When an emergency occurs, it is important to have the supplies you need already gathered in an easily accessible place. Your emergency kit should be kept in a cool, dry place and the contents within the kit should be kept in airtight plastic bags. Consider creating a kit for home, work and your car. Items to consider include:

  • 1 gallon of water per person and several days’ worth of non-perishable food

  • First aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, charging banks for cell phones, portable radio

  • Masks, hand sanitizer, soap, disinfecting wipes

  • Important documents, including insurance, medical records, and identification cards

  • Non-prescription medication, formula, pet food, or other items specific to your family’s needs

  • A change of clothes for each family member

Make a Communication Plan

You and your family may not be together when an emergency or disaster occurs. It is important for each family member to know what to do in that instance. Create a document that includes the following information for each family member.

  • Name, contact information, and medical information

  • Basic household information, including address and how many people live in the home

  • Emergency contacts’ names and contact information

  • Medical provider information including doctors for each family member

  • Contact information for school, daycare, work and other places, including emergency plan pick up

  • List of emergency meeting locations

Plan Your Evacuation

Some emergencies may require you to evacuate your home or local area. While you may receive notice of several hours or a few days, you should also be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

  • Identify where you can go if you are required to evacuate. This may be a local shelter or family member or friend’s home.

  • Know where your pets will go.

  • Familiarize yourself with alternative routes out of your local area, but follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not go around roadblocks.

  • Keep your gas tank full and keep a “go bag” in your car or somewhere you can grab quickly. If you do not have a car, make a plan for evacuation transportation.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you create your plan, it is important to practice the plan with your family on a regular basis. When you are practicing, it is also a good time to go through your emergency kit to ensure it is up to date.

Find Resources You Can Trust

If you’re looking for more information on anything you read here, we’ve compiled a book full of trusted resources for all kinds of health concerns. These resources were chosen using the National Academy of Medicine’s Foundational Principles and Attributes of Credible Sources of Health Information:

  • Science-based: Sources that provide information consistent with the best scientific evidence available at the time and meet scientific standards.

  • Objective: Sources that take steps to reduce the influence of financial and other forms of conflict of interest or bias.

  • Transparent and accountable: Sources that disclose the limitations of the information they provide.

Looking for Mental Health Resources?

The Panhandle Mental Health Guide has compiled all local resources for mental health needs. Type your search into the box below to be taken to the Guide.

Additional Steps to Be Prepared

  • Safeguard important documents

  • Protect your property by documenting and insuring it

  • Make plans with neighbors and get involved in your community

  • Prepare your home by ensuring it is ready for disasters like winter weather, floods, or wildfires

Learn more from the City of Amarillo Office of Emergency Management >