Disaster Preparedness

Whether the cause of an emergency is natural or man-made, being caught unprepared during a disaster can make it hard to keep yourself and your family safe.  

One key step to preparedness is knowing what hazards you are likely to face where you live.  In Jackson County some of the potential hazards are:

  • Severe Wind - Tornadoes
  • Lightening
  • Ice and Snow
  • Extreme Temperatures
  • Flooding
  • Public Health Emergencies
  • Hazardous Material Spills
  • Transportation Accidents
  • Power Outages
  • Intentional Acts

Signing up to receive local emergency alerts and weather warnings is a great way to know what may impact you and your family.  See our instructions on how to 

Receive Local Emergency Alerts and Weather Warnings.  

When you know what you may face, the next step is to determine what plans and supplies you might need as well as the actions you would take if any of these events occur. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What will I need to stay safe in my home?
  • Where would I go and what would I take if I need to leave my house?
  • How will I communicate with my family during an emergency?
  • Do I have friends or family that may need additional assistance during an emergency?
  • Are there backup plans for needed medical equipment and medication?
  • Do I have what I need for my children and pets?
  • What services that I normally rely on may not be available during an emergency?

While it is hard to be prepared for every event, you can think through what you may need to do and how to do it beforehand and take steps to be prepared.  

There are many resources available that help with making emergency plans and can help you learn skills you may need during a disaster.  Below are a few to get you started.