Family preparedness

How prepared are you and your family if there was a large-scale emergency?

While Americans recognize the importance of being personally prepared, fewer than one in ten U.S. households are truly prepared when it comes to following guidelines set by the American Red Cross. These guidelines are: make a disaster plan, build a disaster supplies kit, and get trained on how respond to an emergency.

What should I do to get prepared? Preparing for an emergency doesn't mean constructing a bunker in your backyard, stockpiling a year's worth of SPAM in your basement or outfitting your wardrobe with camouflage. Being prepared simply means being ready for any emergency.

Make an emergency plan

Discuss with your family what to do in various types of emergencies.
Identify places to meet -- one outside your home in case of fire and another outside your neighborhood.
Identify a family contact person who lives outside of the area in case you cannot reach each other locally. Make sure everyone has this information.
Know where to turn off utilities such as water, gas and electricity.
Make back-up plans for taking care of pets.

Get an emergency kit

Gather supplies for a kit or buy a kit*. Store supplies in a backpack or container:

A three-day supply of water (one gallon per day per person) and non-perishable food
A first aid kit
Clothing and bedding
Battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries
Candles, matches
Toiletries and extra medications
Games, books, cards, toys for children
Plastic garbage bags
Whistle to sign for help
Personal identification and medical information
Cash or travelers checks

* Note: Disaster Emergency Kits can be purchased through the Minneapolis Red Cross.

Be informed about what to do in an emergency

Learn more about what your community or county is doing to prepare for a public health emergency by talking with your local public health staff or the Emergency Manager.
Listen to the radio and television for current information and instructions
Become trained as a volunteer in programs such as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Red Cross, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Additional information

For information on Emergency Preparedness, go to the Police Department's Emergency Management, Homeland Security or the following websites:

For more information, contact:

Lisa Brodsky , Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
PH: 952-563-4962
E-mail: lbrodsky@ci.bloomington.mn.us

Bloomington Public Health Division
Public Health Center
1900 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-8900 V/TTY