Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP)
Emergencies can strike at any time and the result can range from being a little annoying to completely devastating. Personal emergency preparedness can help minimize an emergency’s impact and aid in its manageability.
The purpose of the PEP Committee is to assist Kenosha county older adults and persons with disabilities in preparing for an emergency or natural disaster. Preparation steps can be as simple as filling out a File of Life, packing a Go Bag, Shelter Kit, Car Kit and/or completing an Emergency Checklist.
Emergency Preparedness Articles & Tips
Emergency preparedness information and timely steps to help you prepare in case of an emergency.
File of Life
The File of Life is designed to help your Fire Department Paramedics obtain your necessary medical history and emergency contact information in the event of an emergency. It could help save your life.
The Refrigerator Magnet File of Life holder:
- The form, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled FILE OF LIFE, lists the patient's name, emergency medical contacts, other vital information, medications, allergies, recent surgeries, doctor's name and a health care proxy. The entire pocket is held, with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator.
The File of life form and magnet are free and available at the Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center, 8600 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha. Call 605.6646 for more information. A PDF of the File of Life form is available as well as basic instructions on how to use it.
Go Bag and Shelter Kit
Emergencies come in all different forms and can range from having to evacuate your home quickly or having to stay at home with out access to electricity or water. Below are two things you can do to help prepare for either situation.
- Pack a Go Bag.
- Keep a go bag near to an exit in your home. If an emergency arises in which you have to evacuate your home quickly, your Go-Bag will contain basic items you will need such as a 3 day supply of your medications and personal care items. A PDF of a complete list of items suggested for your Go Bag is available.
- Pack a Shelter in Place Kit
Place the suggested items in a plastic lidded container. The Emergency Shelter in place kit should contain the following items:
- 3 day supply of water
- 3 day supply of non-perishable food
- High energy foods such as granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter and, jelly and crackers.
Emergency Car Kit
Emergencies can strike at any time, day or night, in any place. Putting together an Emergency Car Kit is another way to stay prepared. An emergency car kit is crucial for breakdowns and unusual weather conditions. It is always good to keep essential supplies in your car in case you get stranded for a few hours or even a few days.
What to Pack...
- Jumper cables to restart engine
- Cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice
- Shovel to scrape snow away from tires
- Ice scraper to clear windshield
- Warm clothes gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, warm jacket and even a change of clothes
- Blankets to keep warm inside the vehicle
- Flashlights and extra batteries for increased visibility
- First aid kit also pack necessary medications incase you are stuck on the road
- Food pack items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars, also canned fruit and a portable can opener are good additions
- Water bring enough for each person in your car and any pets
- AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
Also Consider:
- Bring a cell phone if you have one with a list of emergency numbers.
- Fill your gas tank
- Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child.
- If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.
Emergency Checklist
Planning ahead will help protect you and your family when disaster strikes. This checklist will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your family, friends, or a personal care attendant, and prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it. A PDF of the Emergency Checklist is available.
Helpful Links
- Ready.gov
- American Red Cross
