1. Get an emergency supply kit.
2. Make a family emergency plan.
3. Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in your area and their appropriate responses.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign, Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year.

Follow the below tips to be better prepared for all types of emergencies in 2009:

Emergency Supply Kit

• The Ready Campaign recommends that a basic emergency supply kit include: 
  • One gallon of water per person per day, for three days - and remember to include water for your pets, too
  • It's important to store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water and choose foods your family will eat: ready-to-eat canned meats, peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, or granola 
  • A manual can opener and eating utensils
  • 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
  • Local maps
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• The Ready Campaign also encourages people to consider the special needs of their family members:
  • Prescription medications, extra pair of contact lenses and glasses  
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food, extra water for your pet, leash and collar
  • Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
    
• For a complete list of items, visit www.ready.gov  to download a free emergency supply checklist or call 1-800-BE-READY

Family Emergency Plan

• Families may not be together when an emergency happens and you may not have access to cell phones, gas stations, grocery stores or some of the other things that you are used to having every day. 
• A family emergency plan allows families to work together to develop a meeting place, establish an out-of-town contact and gather essential information that would help them to stay connected in the event of an emergency. 
• Download a free template at www.ready.gov .

Be Informed

• For updated information on situations occurring throughout Michigan, visit the  Status of Current Emergencies  page.
• Be prepared while traveling during the winter season. For updated information on roadways from late November or early December through March 30th, visit the MSP  Winter Travel Advisory  web site or call the MSP Travel Hotline at 1-800-381-8477.

Help encourage others to prepare for an emergency by displaying the Resolve to be Ready poster. Display the poster on community and office bulletin boards, at events, or any high-traffic locations in your community. Electronic versions are available for download by visiting www.ready.gov/america/about/resolve2009.html .