Disaster Preparedness Resources

Be ready before it happens!
Emergencies can strike without warning, and when they do, chaos reigns. Be
prepared for what you can so you’re able to handle what you can’t.
 
Stay Informed
  • Sign up for community alerts: NotifyChicago
  • Talk to your neighbors: They may be able to help you, or vice versa!
  • Use local resources:
    • The City of Chicago offers free disaster-response training.
    • Check local Cook County emergency shelters to confirm accessibility or
      pet policies.

Build Your Emergency Supplies
A basic FEMA-recommended supply kit includes:
  • Water (two weeks’ worth) and non-perishable food (several days’ worth)
  • Extra phone battery/charger
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA-enabled)
  • Flashlight + extra batteries
  • First aid kit and whistle
  • Dust mask, duct tape, and plastic sheeting
  • Sanitation supplies (wipes, garbage bags)
  • Wrench/pliers
  • Can opener
  • Local maps
  • Prescription meds and copies of key documents
  • Cash and emergency reference materials
Every family’s ideal kit will differ, this list is a strong foundation.

Make a Plan
Emergencies can happen anytime. Being prepared can save lives. Lakeview encourages all residents to have a plan for both evacuating and sheltering in place.

Know Your Risks

Every neighborhood faces different hazards—from severe storms to fires or air contamination. Familiarize yourself with the risks where you live by checking FEMA’s National Risk Index and local emergency management resources.

Evacuation Planning

If local authorities advise evacuation, having a plan and supplies ready is essential.
Before You Go:
  • Identify your evacuation destinations, such as a friend’s home, hotel, or public shelter. Know multiple options in different directions.
  • Prepare a “go-bag” with essentials: food, water, medications, documents, and pet supplies.
  • Keep your car fueled and ready if possible. If you don’t drive, plan transportation with friends, family, or local resources.
  • Set a family or household communication plan with a meeting place in case you get separated.
During Evacuation:
  • Follow local instructions and recommended routes; avoid shortcuts that may be blocked.
  • Take your emergency kit, pets , and secure your home.
  • Stay informed via battery-powered radio, local alerts, and the FEMA App for shelter locations.
After Evacuation:
  • Check with local officials before returning home.
  • Be cautious of hazards like downed power lines or debris.
  • Keep devices charged, bring supplies for travel, and use generators safely, never indoors.

Shelter-In-Place Planning

Sometimes it’s safer to stay where you are. Shelter-in-place may be needed for
tornadoes, contaminated air, or extended public health emergencies.

Key Steps:
  • Bring everyone inside, including pets.
  • Lock doors, close windows and vents, and turn off HVAC systems if contamination is a risk.
  • Move to an interior room with few windows and seal doors and vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape if needed.
  • Have supplies ready, including food, water, medications, and cleaning items.
  • Stay informed through local media and official alerts.
Mass Care Shelters:
  • Shelters provide water, food, medicine, and sanitation, but bring your own emergency kit.
  • Pet Owners: plan ahead! Most shelters do not accept pets.
  • Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 for open shelter locations.
Stay-at-Home Measures:
  • Remain indoors unless necessary.
  • Limit visitors and practice social distancing when outdoors.
  • Access essential services safely, and stay connected virtually with friends and family.

Support Your Family’s Unique Needs
Every household’s plan should reflect its members’ health and comfort needs:
  • Pets: Include pet food and identify pet-friendly shelters.
  • Medication: Plan for refrigeration or refills if power is lost.
  • Allergies: Stock extra safe food options in case shelters can’t accommodate dietary restrictions.
For families with medical, sensory, or special needs, thorough preparation can feel daunting but even small steps help:
  • Keep a current medication list (with doses and doctors).
  • Ask your utility company about medical priority status during outages.
  • If someone relies on powered medical equipment, plan for a generator and fuel.
  • For sensory needs, pack comfort or sensory-regulating items (e.g.,noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets).

Disaster Preparedness Resources