Disaster Preparedness the Wake Way
September 11, 2025
From tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and fires — disasters can strike quickly and without warning.
Katrina Shearin, a WakeMed Disaster Planner (SMAT) II and exercise specialist. offers guidance on how to prepare for an emergency as she leads these efforts at WakeMed.
Shearin explains, "WakeMed Emergency Management Office, housed within the Environmental Health and Safety division, plays a vital role in fostering departmental resilience. Over the years, our team led a wide range of initiatives — from ongoing education and timely alerts to hands-on drills and vulnerability assessments that identified our most pressing hazards. We worked closely with departments, partners and stakeholders to ensure they are prepared, as we continually evaluated outcomes to guide future training needs. Though some services have evolved, the foundation we built continues to shape a culture of readiness and care."
Barb Bisset, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, the WakeMed Executive Director for Preparedness and Innovative Learning further observes, "In order to best serve our patients and the community in times of disaster, WakeMed recognizes the importance of planning and being prepared for many different types of emergencies."
Planning includes five levels of preparedness:
- The first is the expectation that staff have a personal preparedness plan for themselves and for their families.
- As departments have different responsibilities, department leadership needs to know their role(s).
- Plans are coordinated between all the WakeMed sites.
- There is an established incident management team to coordinate the system’s priorities.
- CapRAC is a valued partner as they coordinate the health care coalition preparedness activities for multiple counties, and they serve as a liaison for WakeMed with community, state and federal response partners.
Shearin and Dr. Bisset urge all families to also take action in their personal lives by following these simple guidelines to prepare for a disaster:
Make a Plan
People should evaluate the types of disasters (natural or manmade) that can occur in their area, and talk with their family about a preparedness plan for each kind of emergency.
"In today’s climate — where hurricanes intensify faster, wildfires spread farther and misinformation travels faster than facts — building a comprehensive emergency kit is no longer optional — it’s essential," Shearin emphasizes. "Also knowing who to trust during a crisis can truly save lives. Preparing ahead empowers families to take control of their safety and well-being. Individuals should rely on verified, trustworthy sources — such as local emergency management offices, public health agencies and official weather alerts when seeking information. Social media can be helpful — but only when used wisely."
- Hurricane
- Tornado
- Flood
- Home Fire
- Wild fire
- Blackout
- Severe thunderstorm
- Winter storm
Before The Storm
- Sign Up for ReadyWake alerts
- How to Update (or Make) Your Preparedness Kit
- Preparation Tips for Seniors
- Preparation Tips for Pets
- Make a Communication Plan for the Family
- Printable Family Communication Plan
- Shopping & Storage Tips for No Cook Meals
- Know Your Flood Risk – Interactive Flood Maps
- Know How to Get Information During a Disaster
Make a Kit
"When people gather supplies in advance, they’re far more likely to remember critical items like prescription medications, backup chargers, extra clothing and personal care essentials," Shearin notes. "Preparedness Is not just a plan — its practiced reality. A well-stocked emergency kit should sustain a household for at least 72 hours. Emergency responders may not reach everyone immediately during an emergency. Delays of several hours — or even days — are possible. Having a kit ready means families are not waiting helplessly. They are managing, adapting and protecting their loved ones."
People should build an emergency supply kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-gram container with enough supplies to last each family member for seven days.
"While most items in a preparedness kits are non-perishable, they still require regular review. Canned goods, batteries and medical supplies can expire or degrade over time. That’s why it’s important to check the kit at least once a year — and, ideally, tie that check to a recurring household routine. Keeping the kit fresh means families are ready when it counts," says Shearin.
Kits should be stocked with these basic items:
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Emergency phone numbers
- Cash
- Canned food and can opener
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing and rainwear
- Bedding or sleeping bags
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
- Written instructions to turn off electricity, gas and water
- Road map and car keys
- If advised to evacuate, bring important documents, including your driver's licenses, Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth certificates and tax records.
Families should put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit. Plan for 14 days. Placing items in a backpack (excluding medications) and keeping the pack(s) in the front hallway closet are recommended.
Shearin explains, "Emergency kits should be accessible not only at home or in the car but also at the workplace. For those required to work during a disaster, having a workplace emergency kit is essential. With unpredictable weather and extended response times, employees may need to remain on-site longer than expected — potentially overnight. A well-stocked kit can help staff stay safe, warm and prepared, especially during winter storms or other disruptive events."
Suggestions for items in the kit include the following:
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Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit Adult |
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|---|---|
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Personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb, shaving soap and razors, feminine products (as applicable), denture needs (as applicable). |
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Toilet paper
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Moist towlettes and liquid hand sanitizer
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Medications (One month’s supply of prescription medications)
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Extra pair of eye glasses or contact lenses, if needed, hearing aids, dentures and/or other assistive devices, as applicable.
|
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|
Several sets of clothing, appropriate for the season for all members of the household. Make sure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens and a hat and rain gear. Include underwear, socks, pajamas, waterproof shoes or boots, including a sturdy, safe shoe for walking outside.
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Blankets (or sleeping bags) and pillows |
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Specialty items for infants, elderly, or disabled household members
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Nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. For example canned or boxed juices, soup, peanut butter, granola bars, canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Include a manual can opener (two week supply)
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Paper plates, plastic utensils
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Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person and per pet, per day for a two week supply)
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Paper towels, paper napkins
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House chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts of water to one part of bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use it to treat water by adding 16 drops of bleach to a gallon of water. Do NOT use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners. |
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Candles and water proof matches. Keep in a waterproof container.
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Emergency telephone numbers (Include telephone company and other utility company numbers in your list.) |
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Cellular telephone and cellular telephone car charger
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Cash and credit card
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Copies of valuable papers and photos of valuables, including photos of children and pets. Copies of insurance policies, contracts and deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, credit card accounts, immunization records, medication lists, important phone numbers, wills, and household inventory.
|
|
|
First-aid kit: sterile bandages, gauze, tape, needle, moist novelettes, gel ice packs, thermometer, antiseptic, cleansing soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, tweezers, scissors, safety pins, pocket mask. |
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Flashlight and extra batteries (Consider self -generator powered)
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Extra batteries for emergency equipment
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Whistle to signal for help
|
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Paper and pens
|
|
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Books and small games for adults and for children
|
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your children in the event that you have to evacuate your home
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
Infant
|
|
Formula, breast milk and bottles, if appropriate
|
|
|
Diapers and wipes
|
|
|
Baby food, if applicable
|
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear
|
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate
|
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren)
|
|
|
Shampoo, moisture wipes, lotions
|
|
|
Several blankets
|
Child
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear, weather related jacket, coat, pajamas, spare shoes |
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items, reading materials, small games
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate
|
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren)
|
|
|
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb |
|
|
Several blankets and a pillow
|
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your pets in the event that you have to evacuate your home with your pet(s).
"In an emergency, pets aren’t just companions — they’re family. Their needs differ from ours, but their safety is just as vital. Whether sheltering in place during a power outage or evacuating due to a natural disaster, no one wants to leave a pet behind. Having a pet-specific emergency kit — complete with food, water, medications and comfort items — is essential. Planning ahead ensures pets stay safe, calm and cared for, no matter what the crisis brings."
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
|
|
Needed medications
|
|
|
Pet food for two weeks
|
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Pet dish
|
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Water for five days
|
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Favorite snacks
|
|
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Collar, if applicable
|
|
|
Leash, if applicable
|
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|
Pet carrier
|
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Copies of pet immunization records and pet photos
|
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|
Pet pillows, when applicable
|
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Pet clothing, if applicable (particularly if the evacuation occurs in cold weather)
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Litter box and litter, if applicable
|
- Do NOT leave pets to fend for themselves.
- Do NOT release pets before evacuating your home.
- Consider an alternate care provider for your pet(s).
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Personal Contact Information
|
Contact |
Name |
Telephone Number
|
|
Personal Emergency Contact |
|
|
|
Out of Town Personal Contact
|
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|
|
Hospitals Near These Locations: Work: School: Home: |
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Family Physician
|
|
|
|
Pharmacy
|
|
|
|
Employer Contact
|
|
|
|
School Contact(s)
|
|
|
|
Religious / Spiritual Organization
|
|
|
|
Local Emergency Medical Services ( |
|
|
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Local Fire Department
|
|
|
|
Local Police Department
|
|
|
|
Veterinary / Animal Hospital
|
|
|
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Other:
|
|
|
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit. Plan for 14 days. Suggest placing items in a backpack (excluding medications) and keeping the pack(s) in the front hallway closet. Suggestions for items in the kit include:
|
Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit Adult |
|
|
|
Personal hygiene kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb, shaving soap and razors, feminine products (as applicable), denture needs (as applicable). |
|
|
Toilet paper
|
|
|
Moist towlettes and liquid hand sanitizer
|
|
|
Medications (One month’s supply of prescription medications)
|
|
|
Extra pair of eye glasses or contact lenses, if needed, hearing aids, dentures and/or other assistive devices, as applicable.
|
|
|
Several sets of clothing, appropriate for the season for all members of the household. Make sure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens and a hat and rain gear. Include underwear, socks, pajamas, waterproof shoes or boots, including a sturdy, safe shoe for walking outside.
|
|
|
Blankets (or sleeping bags) and pillows |
|
|
Specialty items for infants, elderly, or disabled household members |
|
|
Nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. For example canned or boxed juices, soup, peanut butter, granola bars, canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Include a manual can opener (two week supply)
|
|
|
Paper plates, plastic utensils
|
|
|
Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person and per pet, per day for a two week supply)
|
|
|
Paper towels, paper napkins |
|
|
House chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts of water to one part of bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. In an emergency, you can use it to treat water by adding 16 drops of bleach to a gallon of water. Do NOT use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners. |
|
|
Candles and water proof matches. Keep in a waterproof container.
|
|
|
Emergency telephone numbers (Include telephone company and other utility company numbers in your list.) |
|
|
Cellular telephone and cellular telephone car charger |
|
|
Cash and credit card |
|
|
Copies of valuable papers and photos of valuables, including photos of children and pets. Copies of insurance policies, contracts and deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, credit card accounts, immunization records, medication lists, important phone numbers, wills, and household inventory. |
|
|
First-aid kit: sterile bandages, gauze, tape, needle, moist novelettes, gel ice packs, thermometer, antiseptic, cleansing soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, tweezers, scissors, safety pins, pocket mask. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flashlight and extra batteries (Consider self -generator powered)
|
|
|
Extra batteries for emergency equipment
|
|
|
Whistle to signal for help
|
|
|
Paper and pens
|
|
|
Books and small games for adults and for children
|
Quick Response Guide
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for Children
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your children in the event that you have to evacuate your home
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
Infant
|
|
Formula, breast milk and bottles, if appropriate
|
|
|
Diapers and wipes
|
|
|
Baby food, if applicable
|
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear
|
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate |
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren) |
|
|
Shampoo, moisture wipes, lotions |
|
|
Several blankets |
Child
|
|
Extra changes of clothes, including socks and underwear, weather related jacket, coat, pajamas, spare shoes |
|
|
Copy of Emergency Contact Information
|
|
|
Small comfort items, reading materials, small games
|
|
|
Prescription medications
|
|
|
Dry, snack foods, if appropriate |
|
|
Photograph of you and your child(ren) |
|
|
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, towels, brush and comb |
|
|
Several blankets and a pillow |
Quick Response Guide
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for Pets
Put together an Emergency Evacuation Disaster Supply Kit for your pets in the event that you have to evacuate your home with your pet(s).
Plan for 14 days. Suggested items for the kit include:
|
|
Needed medications
|
|
|
Pet food for two weeks
|
|
|
Pet dish
|
|
|
Water for five days
|
|
|
Favorite snacks
|
|
|
Collar, if applicable |
|
|
Leash, if applicable |
|
|
Pet carrier |
|
|
Copies of pet immunization records and pet photos |
|
|
Pet pillows, when applicable |
|
|
Pet clothing, if applicable (particularly if the evacuation occurs in cold weather) |
|
|
Litter box and litter, if applicable |
- Do NOT leave pets to fend for themselves.
- Do NOT release pets before evacuating your home.
- Consider an alternate care provider for your pet(s).
Personal Preparedness Resource Information
Personal Contact Information
|
Contact |
Name |
Telephone Number
|
|
Personal Emergency Contact |
|
|
|
Out of Town Personal Contact |
|
|
|
Hospitals Near: Work: School: Home: |
|
|
|
Family Physician |
|
|
|
Pharmacy |
|
|
|
Employer Contact |
|
|
|
School Contact(s) |
|
|
|
Religious / Spiritual Organization |
|
|
|
Local Emergency Medical Services ( |
|
|
|
Local Fire Department |
|
|
|
Local Police Department |
|
|
|
Veterinary / |
|
|
|
Other: |
|
|
During the Storm
After the Storm
The majority of storm-related illnesses and injuries we treat happen after the storm during debris clean up, including chainsaw injuries, snake bites, bug bites and poison ivy. Don’t let your guard down just because the storm has passed.
- Report a Power Outage (Duke Energy) – Call 800-419-6356
- Report a Power Outage (Wake Forest Electric Cooperative) – Call 919-863-6499 or 800-743-3155
- Report a Power Outage (Wake Forest Power) – Call 919-761-7899 *automated system, follow prompts
- Food Safety if Flooding Occurs or You Lose Electricity
- Safe Chainsaw Use During Storm Cleanup
- Storm Cleanup – How to Stay Safe When Nature Strikes
- Electricity Safety
- Bug Bites and Stings
- Tips & Tricks to Deal with Ticks
- Mosquitoes
- Poison Ivy
- Snake Bites