Here is a round up of several websites and other helpful resources about emergency shelters and disaster preparation. Scroll down to find ideas to help explain bad weather preparation to children.

The National Weather Service is urging every Georgia citizen to have an emergency preparedness plan in place and a supply kit ready before a storm makes landfall in the U.S.

Important Things to Consider When Creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan and Supply Kit:

· Have enough food and water to last at least 3 days (per person). Non-perishable and can foods are best in case of a loss of electricity. An average person needs about 1 gallon of water per day. And don’t forget to have 3 days’ worth of food and water for
your pets.
· Have enough prescription medication on hand to last a minimum of 3 days.
· Make sure you have necessities like a manual can opener, battery operated light sources, portable weather radio, a first aid kit and hygiene products.
· Keep cell phones and electronic devices charged (and have portable battery devices charged) in case there is a loss of electricity.
· Make a family plan that includes how to evacuate and/or reach/assist family members who may need additional assistance such as older family members or family members with disabilities/access and functional needs.
· Discuss and practice your family communication and evacuation plan with all of your family members (including children).
· If you have to evacuate, make sure to take your emergency supply kit with you and don’t forget to include flares, physical maps, jumper cables, extra cans of gas, and blankets.
· Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed to make them more wind-resistant.
· Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
· Know your area’s flood risk.
· Make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date and includes the necessary protections, like flood insurance.
· Remember if there is a loss of electricity ATM machines and debit/credit cards will not work. So if possible have an emergency cash fund that you can access during an emergency or prior to evacuating.
· Secure your windows/doors and know how to shut off the gas or power to your home if it becomes necessary.
· Stay on top of the latest news.

Here are some disability related weblinks:

https://ada.georgia.gov/emergency-preparedness

https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project/natural-disaster-resources?utm_source=email&utm_medium=text

Residents with Functional, Access, or Medical Needs Urged to Register with Health Department

For customized Emergency Preparedness supply checklists for families, pet owners, seniors, individuals with disabilities and businesses, please visit Federal Emergency Management Agency’s webpage at: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/resources-documents/collections/344?page=1

Non disability related:

For more emergency preparedness and planning tips and how to stay safe during a hurricane, please visit Ready Georgia: http://ready.ga.gov/be-informed/hurricanes/

For evacuation routes in Georgia and tips of driving smart, please visit the Georgia Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.ga.gov/DS/Emergency/Hurricane

or Georgia weather related mobile alerts, please download the Ready Georgia app, which can be found here: http://ready.ga.gov/