Seniors Each person's needs and abilities are unique, but every individual can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and put plans in place. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation. A commitment to planning today will help you prepare for any emergency situation. Preparing makes sense. Get ready now. Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs. Plan to make it on your own, at least for a period of time. It's possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available. Get an emergency supply kit. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets; consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency. Create a Support Network If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster talk to family, friends and others who will be part of your personal support network. Write down and share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your support network. Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster. Make sure that someone in your local network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies. Teach those who will help you how to use any lifesaving equipment, administer medicine in case of an emergency. Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your network.