No one knows when an emergency will happen or what kind of emergency it will be… weather-related emergencies including storms, flooding or power outages, disease outbreaks or even man-made disasters.

Each of us needs to “Be Prepared” in the event of an emergency. Putnam County Government can help. This webpage provides a wide range of information and tools to help you and your family prepare for emergencies.

Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation and store them in an easy to carry container such as a duffle bag or backpack.

Store your “Go Bag” in a place where it will not freeze.

It is a good idea to review the content once a year to check on items that may have expiration dates, such as prescription medicines.

What to include in your Go Bag:

• A supply of water — one gallon per person, per day — sealed in unbreakable containers
• Non-perishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener
• Whistle
• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Permanent marker, paper, and tape
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Local map
• A first aid kit and prescription medicines
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight (or crank-style version), and spare batteries for each
• Credit cards and $100 cash in small bills and quarters for pay phones. Consider a pre-paid phone card.
• List of emergency contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drugs (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra keys to your house and vehicles
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• Special items for infants or elderly or disabled family members
• As a precaution, you can also add a CD or a flash drive to which you have saved some of these important papers and documents, such as:
  Birth certificates
  Drivers license
  Prescriptions – list of prescription type, number and doctor’s name and phone number
  Proof of Residency – Mortgage bill / Renters agreement
  Renters / Home owner’s insurance coverage
  Medical insurance coverage
  Life insurance coverage