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Foundations
The basics that help in almost every emergency: supplies, water, food, a family plan, documents and staying informed.
Foundation72-hour emergency kitA basic household kit lets your family cope for at least three days without power, water or shops.FoundationStoring drinking waterSafe water is the first thing to run short when supplies are cut.FoundationEmergency food supplyA small stock of long-life food means your family can eat even when shops close or the power fails.FoundationFamily emergency planEmergencies often strike when family members are in different places and phones do not work.FoundationImportant documents and cashCards, ATMs and online banking can stop working in a crisis, and lost papers slow down insurance claims and aid.FoundationEmergency alerts and staying informedKnowing how official warnings reach you, and having a way to hear them without power or internet, can buy precious time.FoundationChildren and emergenciesChildren cope better with frightening events when they have been involved in preparing and adults stay calm and honest.FoundationOlder adults and people with disabilitiesOlder people and people with disabilities may rely on medicines, powered equipment or carers that a crisis can interrupt.FoundationPets in emergenciesMany shelters and hotels do not accept animals, so pets need their own plan and supplies.FoundationCoping with stress during crisesAlmost everyone feels distress during and after an emergency, and for most people it eases with time.