Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening Community Through Knowledge

In times of emergency, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference. Whether it's hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or other natural disasters, being prepared ensures you and your loved ones stay as safe as possible.

1. Know the Risks — Get Informed

Understand which disasters could affect your area—hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. Learn how they can impact your home, neighborhood, and the broader Charlotte County region. Refer to the official Charlotte County Disaster Planning Guide for tailored local hazard information and recommended responses.
→ Charlotte County Disaster Planning Guide PDF

2. Create a Family or Household Plan

Set a meeting spot for evacuation or sheltering in place. Designate an out-of-area contact in case local cell networks go down. Plan for loved ones who may be away—campers, students, deployed family members—and establish pet-friendly evacuation options. Practice your plan at least twice a year to ensure everyone knows what to do.

3. Build and Maintain Emergency Kits

Prepare at least two kits: one for home and another easy-to‑grab “go-bag” for evacuation. FEMA recommends:

  • Water — at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days (ideally a two-week supply).
  • Non‑perishable food — three-day supply per person, plus a manual can opener.
  • Communication tools — battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio, extra phone batteries or power bank.
  • First‑aid supplies — standardized kit plus any prescription medications, masks, gloves, a whistle, and a waterproof pouch for important documents.
  • Sanitation items — garbage bags, wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, diapers or personal hygiene items.
  • Tools & utility shutoff tools — wrench or pliers to turn off gas/water/electric; fire extinguisher; matches; flashlights and extra batteries.

Update your kit every six months to replace expired items. If you travel or drive regularly, consider keeping a kit in your car as well.

4. Mitigate Hazards Around You

Reduce risks by securing heavy furniture, reinforcing windows or garage doors (especially in hurricane-prone areas), and understanding how to safely turn off utilities in case of damage. Having a crystal-clear understanding of your home’s vulnerabilities can minimize disaster impact.

5. Build Community Resilience — Engage and Volunteer

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) fosters collaboration among faith-based groups, nonprofits, businesses, and emergency services. This network supports all phases—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—for a stronger, shared response. For more information on how to join or support COAD, email us at info@coadfl.org. You may also consider joining or supporting your local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), which receives FEMA-based training and assists in basic response tasks until professional help arrives.

6. Practice Skills and Prioritize Mental Resilience

Drills—such as evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, or fire drills—should be practiced regularly. Planning is not only about coordination: being mentally prepared helps reduce panic and foster confidence and well-being. Look for tips on reassuring children and supporting emotional health after disasters.

✅ Summary—Your Emergency Preparedness Checklist

‍1. Review local risks & read the Charlotte County Guide

2. Develop and practice a household emergency plan

3. Assemble and regularly update home and travel emergency kits

4. Mitigate physical hazards in your home or surroundings

5. Engage with community networks like COADs or CERT

6. Practice response plans and take care of emotional well-being

By following these steps, residents can create safer households and stronger neighborhoods. Disaster preparedness isn’t about fear, it’s about readiness, community, and resilience.

Together We Can!