Plan Together
Prepare Together
In a disaster, the people that surround you – your neighbors – will be the ones in your community that you and your family turn to for immediate help. That’s why it always is important to check on your neighbors and prepare as a community for emergencies, especially those that seasonally like extreme heat and cold.
Remember to lend a hand and assist residents who are more sensitive to weather conditions, especially senior citizens and those who are chronically ill.
- Help a neighbor contact a family member for assistance
- Help a neighbor call 311 for a well-being check.
Prepare your family
Be aware of and prepare for your family’s unique needs in an emergency. Make a family plan in advance and build a readiness kit.
Here are some tips on making a kit:
- Create an emergency kit with supplies for each household member for at least three days. Items that should be included in a kit are water, non-perishable food, medications, a first aid kit, and important documents.
-
Make sure to include the basics such as food and water, sanitation supplies and clothing. A good start would begin with:
-
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation—don’t forget about your pets!
-
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
-
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
-
Flashlight and extra batteries
-
First aid kit
-
Whistle to signal for help
-
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
-
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
-
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
-
Manual can opener for food
-
Local maps
-
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charge
-
Other advice includes, making a sheet of health information. Include a list detailing prescription information for yourself and your family members. Include your doctor’s name, dosage and usage instructions. List the names of your doctors and their contact information as well as where you can access health services, such as a hospital or clinic. Remember to include your health insurance information, too.
Volunteer with your community
Volunteer with the Chicago Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC) and use your skills to help Prepare Chicago for a public health emergency. CMRC has over 400 medical and non-medical professionals who assist in community/faith-based events, public health emergencies and local disasters. Fill out our online form to become a CMRC volunteer or email ChicagoMRC@cityofchicago.org.
Prepare Chicago is operated by CDPH’s Bureau of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response (BPHER).