Prepare for an Emergency

Build a kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Have a kit with the following items and remember to store a three-day supply of food and water for every individual in your home.

• Water, 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation.
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• 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.
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
• Local maps.
• Cellphones with chargers.

Make a plan

• Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cellphone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cellphone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to building exits and escape routes.
• Students, families, and employees should develop a plan for responding to emergency situations. See www.ready.gov for information.

Be informed

• Monitor local media during a disaster.
• Follow University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department on Facebook and Twitter.
• The UW-Platteville Homepage will provide up-to-date information in an emergency.
• Sign-up for Rave alerts to receive emergency information from UW-Platteville. (Please note that UW-Platteville's Rave Alert System is an "Opt out" program meaning all students and staff are automatically registered if a cellphone number is provided.)
• Sign-up for City of Platteville alerts.