Emergency Preparedness 101

Do you know what to do before, during, and after an emergency to protect your family, community, or business?

Learn more about how you can prepare for emergencies by reviewing the information provided below. You can find additional preparedness information here.

Click here to download the emergency preparedness checklists and forms that the Baltimore City Fire Department provides to residents during outreach campaigns.

Make a Plan

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Build a Kit

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

People with Disabilities

Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders, or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Older Adults

As an older adult, you may have specific needs after a disaster. Use the information on this page to assess your needs and take simple, low-cost steps that help you get better prepared.

Kids Corner

Play games and watch videos while learning how to be prepared for emergencies and different types of weather.

Residents & Businesses

Learn about some additional resources that can help residents and businesses prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

Here are some tips to help you and your family become better prepared for an emergency.

Preparedness Tip # 1

Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in your home, and you need to leave quickly. What are the best escape routes from your home ? Find at least two ways out of each room. Now, write it down - you've got the beginning of a plan.

Preparedness Tip # 2

Pick a place to meet after an emergency or disaster. designate two meeting places. Choose one right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency, such as a fire. The second place your choose needs to be outside your neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to your home.

Preparedness Tip # 3

Choose an emergency contact person outside your areas because it may be easier to call long distance than locally after a local/regional disaster. During an emergency, you can call your contact who can share with other family members where you are; how you are doing; and how to get in contact with you.

Preparedness Tip # 4

Complete an emergency contact card and make copies for each member of your family to carry with them. Be sure to include an out-of-town contact on your contact card. You should also have at least one traditionally wired landline phone, as cordless or cellular phones may not work in an emergency. Print out your fillable emergency contact card here.

Preparedness Tip # 5

Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1 for help. Post these and other emergency telephone numbers by or in the phone. Learn more about when to call 9-1-1 here.

Office of Emergency Management

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