Preparedness & Response

Benton County Emergency Management

Step 1: Gather Emergency Supplies

• A good rule of thumb is to prepare for a scenario where you may be without a food or water supply for several days.
• Food should be non-perishable items:
  • Variety of canned goods
  • Dry mixes
  • Shelf-stable pantry items
• Have an ample supply of clean water for consumption, food preparation and hygiene.  The average person needs at least a ½ gallon of water each day; however, it is best to store at least 1 gallon per person, per day to account for the various needs during an emergency.
• Additional items that may be useful include:
  • Flashlights 
  • Batteries
  • NOAA Radio
  • First aid kit
  • Extra clothes
  • Hygeine products

More information about building a kit can be found by clicking the buttons below.

Linn County EMA 72-Hour Emergency Supply Kit Assembly - Part 1

Linn County EMA 72-Hour Emergency Supply Kit Assembly - Part 2

Build a Basic Disaster Supply Kit

Remember the needs of your pets and service animals

• It is recommended to build an emergency kit for your pets with items to meet their needs. Gathering several days supply of food and water is a good place to start. 
• Additional items specific to the care and safety of your pet may include: 
  • A collar with ID tag
  • Leash or harness
  • Sturdy crate or carrier
  • Familiar items: blankets, toys, treats, etc. 
  • A picture of you and your pet
    • In case of separation, a photo can help identify ownership of your pet and allow others to help you search.

Watch the video on Disaster Preparedness for Pets and Service Animals here:

Additional information about pet rescue and safety during a disaster can be found by clicking the button below and scrolling down to the Disaster Preparedness Resources section. 

American Humane Society Disaster Preparedness Resources

Step 2: Develop a Communication Plan

• Many times, family members may not be at the same location when an emergency occurs - in these situations, designate both a primary and back-up location to meet.
• In addition, families should choose an emergency contact who is located outside of the same neighborhood – in an emergency, this person should be contacted to help coordinate a safe relocation of all family members

Step 3: Be Informed

Weather Radio Information

• Many season specific events like ice storms, tornadoes, thunderstorms, etc. have important sheltering suggestions. It is necessary to have a plan for receiving information in the case of a power outage. Weather radios are a battery powered alternative source of information for various severe weather events.
• KCRG-TV9 First Alert Storm Team partners with local Hy-Vee stores for weather radio purchasing and programing events around the state of Iowa. Their website also provides step by step video programing instructions as well as a diagram showing the functions of a basic weather radio. 

KCRG-TV9 First Alert Storm Team Weather Radio Programming

Disaster PrepWise 

• Disaster PrepWise is a program provided by the University of Iowa College of Public Health. The PrepWise program is designed to help create disaster preparedness plans tailored to individuals and families based on specific needs. The program uses an all-hazards approach to plan for safety during disasters of varying magnitudes and scopes. Disaster PrepWise walks through a five-step process allowing participants to individualize their plan based on characteristics and needs unique to them and their families. This program is free of charge. 
• For more information, visit the Disaster PrepWise Homepage

Additional Information

• Know how to shelter-in-place and when to evacuate
• Know information for specific types of emergencies
• Know how to cope during and after a disaster