Preparing for Disasters in Woodbury County

Disasters—whether natural or man-made—can strike with little or no warning. In Woodbury County, residents may experience severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, winter weather emergencies, and other hazards. By taking proactive steps, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of yourself, your family, and your community. Below are key recommendations from Woodbury County Emergency Management for staying prepared.

1. Know Your Risks

• Identify Likely Hazards: Familiarize yourself with the emergencies most common in our region, such as floods along the Missouri River, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards.
• Stay Informed: Use reputable sources like the National Weather Service, local news outlets, and official Woodbury County social media channels to track developing threats and stay aware of local conditions.

2. Create a Family Emergency Plan

• Communication Strategy: Develop a plan for staying in touch if you’re separated during an emergency. Designate an out-of-town contact and ensure everyone in your family knows how to reach them.
• Meeting Locations: Choose two places to meet in case you cannot return home: one just outside your home (e.g., a neighbor’s house) and one outside your neighborhood (e.g., a library or community center).
• Evacuation & Shelter-in-Place: Know your local evacuation routes and procedures. Familiarize yourself with settings where you might have to stay put (e.g., during a tornado warning) and gather supplies in a safe room. These supplies might include food, water, a flashlight, a weather radio, or other supplies.

3. Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Essential Items: At minimum, include water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of personal documents (IDs, insurance policies, medical information) in a watertight, portable container.
• Additional Supplies: Consider cash in small bills, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra phone chargers, and pet supplies if applicable.

4. Stay Connected

• Alert Systems: Sign up for Woodbury County Emergency Alerts and download weather alert apps to receive immediate warnings on your phone.
• Social Media & Websites: Follow Woodbury County Emergency Management on social media for timely updates. Check the County’s official website for real-time information, evacuation orders, and shelter locations. Your city may also have this information on thier website.
• Neighbors & Community: If you have neighbors, exchange contact information and check on one another before, during, and after emergencies if safe to do so.

5. Practice & Review

• Regular Drills: Conduct drills at home and in the workplace so everyone knows their role during an emergency.
• Annual Plan Updates: Revisit your plan each year—or when circumstances change—to ensure it stays current and effective. Update emergency contacts, check expiration dates on supplies, and confirm that your meeting locations are still viable.

6. Get Involved

• Volunteer Opportunities: Consider joining one of our county emergency management volunteer teams or volunteer with local fire departments and rescue squads.
• Emergency Skills Training: Enroll in first aid, CPR, or disaster preparedness courses. Skills learned can be invaluable in a crisis.

Stay Ready, Stay Safe
Proactive preparation can significantly reduce the impact disasters have on our community. By staying informed, building a robust emergency plan, and working together, Woodbury County residents can help ensure the safety of friends, family, and neighbors. For more information, or to find resources on specific hazards, please explore the Woodbury County Emergency Management website or call our office directly. Remember: Preparedness starts with you.