When planning for a disaster it is important to make sure that everyone in your family is prepared and understands the plan.

• Have an out of town contact because sometimes local phone lines are out of service or busy and calling someone who is outside the area of the disaster is helpful when trying to contact separated family members. Be sure that everyone has that number memorized and a cell phone, prepaid card or money to make the call.
• Designate a family meeting place other than your home so that separated family members have somewhere to meet up.
• Subscribe to an emergency alert system to get alerts for your area.
• Inquire about the emergency plans anywhere your family spends a lot of time such as work, school, or daycare.

Everyone’s needs are different but you can take steps to make sure you are prepared in case of a disaster. It is good to have a plan to take care of yourself, at least for a short period of time, and to know what you will need during a disaster.

• Create a support network, make sure they know where you keep your emergency supplies and make sure one of the people in this group has a key to your home
• Keep 7-14 days worth of any medications you may be taking on hand with a list of the dosage and medication times. It is also a good idea to include why you are taking this medication
• If you have a medical condition or disability make sure to wear your medical alert tags or bracelets so others can identify your conditions and know the locations of more than one facility that has any support equipment you may be dependent on.
• If you have a wheelchair, show others how to operate it and know the size and weight of your wheelchair and whether or not it is collapsible in case it needs to be transported.

Don’t forget these important members of your family. If you have to evacuate take them with you, but remember that public shelters don’t accept pets unless they are service animals, so have a list of alternative sites where your pet can stay during an emergency such as a vet’s office, boarding facility, or even a friend or relative who is willing to host your pet during the emergency.

• You may not be home when the evacuation order comes so find a trusted neighbor who is willing to take your pets and meet you at a pre-arranged location
• This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where they are likely to be found and have a key to your home.
• All pets should have a collar with an identification tag on it.
• Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative.

FEMA Videos

Introduction to Emergency Planning video

Family Communications Plan and Emergency Kit video

Fire Emergencies video

Earthquakes video

Severe Weather video

Activities for the family to learn about emergencies and disasters

Coloring Pages:

• Storm Coloring Page
• Disaster Supply Kit Coloring Page

Games:

• Disaster Crossword Puzzle
• Disaster Word Find
• Disaster Memory Game
• Disaster Activity Book

Evacuation vs. Sheltering-in-Place

In certain emergencies, you’ll be faced with the decision of whether you should stay put or get away. Local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what’s happening and what you should do. It’s your responsibility to gather as much information as possible and use common sense in making a decision.

Sheltering-In-Place

In certain emergencies, it’s best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty and/or create a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may also want to “seal the room.”

• Bring your family and pets inside.
• Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced-air heating systems.
• Take your Emergency Supply Kit into an interior room with few windows.
• Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Evacuating

In emergencies when you are ordered to leave or you decide to get away, plan how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options.

Creating an Evacuation Plan:

• Plan places to meet within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
• Keep a half tank of gas in your car at all times in case you need to evacuate.
• Familiarize yourself with alternate routes out of your area.
• If you don’t have a car, plan other means of transportation.
• Take your Emergency Supply Kit with you.
• Lock the doors behind you.
• Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters.

Flooding in The City of Lewisville occurs primarily around the creeks that run through the city to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The river's water level is controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers through the Lake Lewisville Dam.

For more information visit the Flood Protection Information webpage.

Being able to go home and start the recovery process is often a top priority after a disaster, it is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends. Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event, but before you re-enter your home follow these guidelines to make sure it is safe. Most disasters are local and as such do not qualify for Federal assistance money so have your disaster plan in place.

• Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
• If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors.

Do not enter your home if:

• You smell gas. 
• Floodwaters remain around the building.
• Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Some basic steps you can take to meet physical and emotional needs:

• Try to return to as many of your personal and family routines as possible.
• Get rest and drink plenty of water.
• Limit your exposure to the sights and sounds of disaster, especially on television, the radio and in the newspapers.
• Focus on the positive.
• Recognize your own feelings.
• Reach out and accept help from others.
• Do something you enjoy. Do something as a family that you have all enjoyed in the past.
• Stay connected with your family and/or other support systems.
• Realize that, sometimes, recovery can take time.

Helping Pets

If you have pets, try to find and comfort them. A scared animal may react by biting or scratching. Handle animals carefully and calmly. Pets can become upset and react in unusual ways, such as spraying urine, defecating on floors or scratching/biting furnishings. Since pets will need regular care and attention to help them calm down, try to leave pets with a family member, friend, veterinarian or boarding facility while you are cleaning up your home. Animals are naturally inquisitive and could be injured if they are brought back to a damaged home.

• Use toys, a blanket or favorite human's unsoiled clothing to comfort pets.
• Make sure pets are fed their usual diet, and have plenty of water.
• Visit your pets regularly, speak calmly and take some time out to play with them. Doing so can also help you in your recovery, as well.