Be Prepared

Build a kit with items you may need during an emergency. Include supplies for each family member, including pets.

Emergency Kit Checklist

Essentials:

• Water
• First aid kit
• Food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Can opener
• Prescription medication
• Sleeping bag or warm blankets
• Matches
• Clothing

Useful:

• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Cell phone charger
• Garbage bags
• Duct tape or zip ties
• Hand tools
• Paper maps

For Pets:

• Pet first aid kit
• Food and water
• Crate or carrier
• Extra leashes and collars
• Pet waste bags
• Cat litter and tray

Additional Resources:

Ready.gov Build a Kit

Red Cross Survival Kit

Pet Preparedness

Before a disaster strikes, make an Emergency Communications Plan for your family. A plan helps you and your loved ones stay in touch during an emergency. Share the plan with family members and keep at least one physical copy where everyone can access it.

What to Include in Your Plan

• Family cellphone numbers
• Work/desk phone numbers
• School and childcare phone numbers
• Doctors and primary care provider contact information
• Veterinarian contact information
• Non-emergency phone numbers for police and fire
• Poison Control phone number
• Medical, Homeowners and Flood Insurance contact information and policy numbers
• Utility provider contact information
• Out-of-Town contact: Someone who lives outside your community that you can contact in an emergency. This person can help you and your family get back in touch if local phone calls don't work during a disaster.

Additional Resources

Ready.gov Plan Template

Get local emergency messages on your cell phone, work phone and email through NOCO Alert.

Sign Up for Alerts

Register for Weld County Alerts

Accessible Emergency Alerts

ReachWell App: Community members can sign up for public safety alerts in languages other than English.

Deaf Link: Registered community members can get alert messages in American Sign Language (ASL) and English voice and text.

Fort Collins faces severe weather including wildfire, flooding and snowstorms. Learn about local hazards and how to prepare for them.

Information About Local Hazards

Every family member can and should prepare for emergencies, including children.

Plan

Talk with your family about being prepared for emergencies.

• Talk with your kids in age-appropriate ways about emergencies that could happen in your area.
• Address their fears by listening to their concerns and validating their feelings. Let your kids know it's okay to be scared, but also emphasize that you are taking steps to keep them safe.
• Make it fun by using stories, games and activities.

Create a family emergency plan that includes meeting places, emergency contacts and designated caregivers. Include contact information for schools or childcare providers.

Involve Your Kids: Practice your plans to help your kids learn them. Make it fun and positive.

Create a Kid-Friendly Emergency Kit

Add specific items for kids to your emergency kit: comfort items like stuffed animals or toys, activities like games and coloring books with crayons, food like formula and baby food, hygiene items like diapers and wipes, medications for your kids, and records like birth certificates and medical information.

Involve Your Kids: Let kids help pack your family emergency kit and choose their comfort items and activities!

Additional Resources

Red Cross Prepare with Pedro

Sesame Workshop Emergency Preparedness

Ready Kids

Include pets in your emergency preparedness plans.

Before

Emergency Kit: Include items in your emergency kit for your pets.

• Food and water
• Crate or carriers
• Leash, harness and collars
• Medications and copies of medical records
• Litter box and sanitation bags
• Toys
• Current photos of your pet

Identification: Make sure your pet's ID tags and microchip are up-to-date.

Practice: Practice getting your pet in their carrier regularly.

Plan: Find places you can leave your pet during an emergency, such as with friends or family, or at boarding facilities.

During

Follow Evacuation Orders: If evacuation is necessary, take your pet with you.

Maintain Routine: Stick to your pet's regular schedule as much as possible.

After

Check your pet for injuries, and go to a vet if needed.

Report missing pets to local shelters and animal control.

Additional Resources

Ready.gov Pet Preparedness

Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness

Humane Society Pet Preparedness

Find preparedness tips for older adults, those with disabilities and those with limited English.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Get local emergency messages on your cell phone, work phone and email through NOCO Alert. Emergency alerts are available in ASL, text-to-speech and other languages.

Make a backup plan to get emergency information If you rely on communication methods like American Sign Language (ASL), Braille, etc.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Before an Emergency

• Know Your Risk: Learn about the types of emergencies common in your area.
• Build Your Support Network: Find friends, family or neighbors who can assist you during an emergency. Discuss your specific needs and evacuation plans with them.
• Have an Emergency Kit: Include essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, medications, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit and sanitation wipes.
• Personalize Your Emergency Kit: Include other items you need, such as extra batteries for hearing aids, wheelchairs, or personal care items.
• Develop a Communication Plan: Program emergency contact numbers into your phone. Consider a waterproof medical ID bracelet or something that can be handed to first responders with details of your specific needs.
• Practice Your Plan: Go through your evacuation plan with your support network. Practice using assistive devices in different scenarios.

During an Emergency

• Follow Emergency Instructions: Listen to local authorities for updates and evacuation orders.
• Evacuate if Necessary: If evacuation is ordered, use your established plan with your support network.
• Advocate for Yourself: Clearly communicate your needs to first responders and shelter staff.

After an Emergency

• Stay Informed: Continue to monitor local news for information about recovery efforts.
• Contact Your Support Network: Let your support network know you are safe.
• Seek Assistance: Don't hesitate to ask for help with essential needs like food, water or medical care.
• Report any damage to your home or assistive devices to your insurance company and local authorities.

Additional Resources

Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Resources

Ready.gov Resources for People with Disabilities

Ready.gov Resources for Older Adults