April is Severe Weather Awareness Month, and the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) wants to help you prepare for natural disasters. Spring in Minnesota can bring tornadoes, floods, fires, and other emergencies with little warning. That’s why now is the perfect time to review your emergency plan, restock your Go Bag and Shelter-in-Place bag, and practice your response. Planning ahead can ease anxiety and help you act quickly when it matters most.
Review Your Plan
Everyone’s emergency needs are unique. Reviewing the components of your plan ensures your specific medical, mobility, and communication needs are addressed before a crisis happens.
- Gather information about your health, medical conditions, and any medical equipment you use.
- Store this information digitally or physically in a waterproof container inside both your Go Bag and Shelter-in-Place bag.
- Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone or stored in a safe place.
- Create a communication plan for first responders, if necessary.
- Talk with your support network about your plan and decide on roles and responsibilities.
- Make sure you have a plan for different types of emergencies, such as floods, tornadoes, or pandemics.
Pack Your Bags
Go Bags are meant for evacuations—such as during a fire or flood—and can be stored at home, in your car, and at work. Shelter-in-Place Bags are used when you need to stay where you are, such as during a tornado or pandemic.
Both bags should include:
- Extra medications for several days
- Copies of important documents
- Eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, and contact solution
- Personal identification
- Cash or other form of emergency funds
- Personal hygiene items
- First aid kit
- Flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio
- Shelf-stable food and pet food for several days
- Water for several days
IMPORTANT: Remember to customize your emergency bags to meet your needs—and the needs of your children, service animal, or pets.
Practice Your Plan
Practicing your emergency plan helps you build confidence and uncover any gaps before an actual emergency occurs. A well-rehearsed plan is more likely to work when it matters most.
- Rehearse your evacuation routes at home and at work.
- Choose a convenient place to store your Go Bag at each location.
- Involve family, caregivers, and neighbors in your plan.
- Remove expired medications and pet food and replace dead batteries.
By taking a few simple steps now, you can stay safer, more confident, and better prepared when emergencies happen.
For more information, visit MCD’s newly updated Emergency Plan for People with Disabilities and our Emergency Preparedness FAQ.