Why prepare?

Every year, thousands of people are affected by disasters; the consequences can include injury, death and property damage.  After a disaster strikes, relief-agencies and the local government will attempt to assist disrupted communities.  However, there could be a delay before help is able to reach an affected area.  By preparing ahead of time, you can lessen the fear, anxiety and losses that accompany a disaster.

Are you ready for an emergency?

Emergency Preparedness is being ready for a disaster or emergency; each one of us has to be accountable for our own readiness.  If you are just starting to prepare, begin by:

• Learning more about preparedness and what disasters could affect your community, be it natural disasters or terrorism.
• Creating an individual and/or family plan.  To view a series of videos about preparing your family, click here.
• Assembling an emergency kit to sustain you and your family for the first few days following a disaster.
• Practicing and maintaining your plan.

In addition to directly affecting individuals and families, disasters have social and economic impacts on a community.  Plans need to address those issues, as well as include sections for people with special needs and animals.  Keep in mind that:

• If you are a parent or guardian, consider the special considerations necessary for children.
• If you own a business, you should ensure it is prepared to function during and after a disaster.
• If you are responsible for a school, it is your job to have emergency plans in place to protect your staff and students.
• If you have a disability or special need (or know of someone with a special need), you may need to take extra steps to prepare for an emergency. You may also want to consider joining our special needs registry.
• If you own pets, you will need to make plans to care for your pet in an emergency or if you need to evacuate.

Pandemic Influenza Information Pandemic Preparedness Toolkits

For More Information, Please Visit:

• Ready America

• Ready Kids

• American Red Cross

• Surviving Disasters: A Citizen’s Emergency Handbook

• SCAN – Safe Community Alert Network

• I.C.E. – In Case of Emergency

McHenry County Online ~ MCDH Online

McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N Seminary Ave, Annex A
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

© COPYRIGHT 2006 MCDHPREPARE.INFO