Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparedness

Scottsville Emergency Preparedness Guide

Helping You Plan, Prepare, and Stay Safe

Emergencies can happen at any time. Preparing in advance will help you and your family respond effectively and recover quickly. This guide incorporates best practices from federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, with a special focus on seniors and residents with disabilities.

1. Understand the Risks

Identify hazards that could affect Scottsville: severe storms, flooding, snow/ice, tornadoes, power outages, heat waves.
Know whether the risk requires evacuation or shelter‑in‑place and plan for each.
Sign up for Scottsville and Albemarle County emergency alerts.
Monitor official sources:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local TV and radio stations
- FEMA App for multi‑location weather alerts

2. Make a Plan

Communication

Create a family emergency communication plan. Ready.gov Communication Plan
Identify an out‑of‑town contact for family check‑ins.
Practice sending text messages when calls may not work.

Special Needs

Plan for specific medical or mobility needs.
If you use assistive devices, keep them ready for evacuation.
Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance cards.
For more details: Ready.gov Disability Planning and ACL Disaster Planning for Older Adults & Caregivers

Support Network

Identify friends, family, neighbors, or caregivers who can help.
Give at least one trusted person:
- A spare house key
- Location of your emergency supplies
- Instructions for equipment or medications

Pets & Service Animals

Extra pet food, water, medications, and ID tags.
Plan for pet‑friendly shelters or arrangements outside the area. Ready.gov Pets

3. Build Your Emergency Supply Kits

You should be prepared to survive on your own for at least 72 hours.

Basic Disaster Supplies

Water — 1 gallon per person per day (3 days minimum)
3+ days of non‑perishable food
Battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio & NOAA Weather Radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and medications
Whistle (signal for help)
Face masks, duct tape, plastic sheeting (shelter‑in‑place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
Manual can opener
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
Wrench or pliers (turn off utilities)

Additional Items to Consider

Prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes
Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, blankets
Fire extinguisher
Waterproof matches
Feminine hygiene items
Cash or traveler’s checks
Important documents in waterproof storage
Books, puzzles, children’s activities

COVID/Flu Season Addition: masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes.

For printable checklists: FEMA Supply List PDF

4. Store and Maintain Your Kits

Home: Accessible location known to all household members.
Work: Supplies for 24 hours including food, water, medicines, walking shoes.
Car: Emergency road supplies for winter and summer conditions.

Maintenance Tips:

Store canned food in a cool, dry place.
Keep boxed food in airtight containers.
Replace expired items annually.
Update kits as family needs change.

5. Protect Your Finances

Switch to direct deposit or a Direct Express® debit card for federal benefits. US Treasury Direct Express Info
Keep emergency cash in a secure spot.

6. Stay Engaged & Informed

Participate in community preparedness events.
Encourage neighbors — especially seniors and people with disabilities — to have plans.
Use official sources for information:

7. Accessibility & Inclusion

Provide this information in large print and multiple languages where possible.
Engage community groups, faith organizations, and service providers in outreach.

Printable Resource

You can download a printable checklist (PDF) to take shopping or store with your kit:

FEMA/Ready.gov Preparedness Checklist PDF

Remember: Preparation reduces fear, anxiety, and loss during disasters. Start today — your future self will thank you.