Susquehanna Regional Emergency Management Agency (SREMA)
Serving East Donegal & Conoy Townships, Lancaster County, PA

Natural disasters can occur with little warning and have the potential to impact lives, property, and essential services across our communities. Being prepared helps protect your family, neighbors, and property - and ensures that you can respond and recover more quickly and safely. The following best practices are based on guidance from national and state emergency preparedness authorities. 

1. Understand Local Hazards

Every community faces different risks - from severe storms and flooding to winter weather or heat waves.

• Learn which natural hazards are most common in Lancaster County and how they could affect your home, school, or workplace.

• Know your local warning systems and how alerts are communicated. 

2. Make an Emergency Plan

A family emergency plan gives you the steps to follow before, during, and after a disaster. Key elements include:

• How you will receive emergency alerts (mobile alerts, NOAA weather radio, local media).

• Communication plans to reach each other if separated.

• Designated meeting places inside your neighborhood and outside your local area.

• Evacuation routes and transportation plans.

• Plans for pets, older adults, and those with access and functional needs.

• Practice your plan regularly with all household members.

Tips for special circumstances:

• Make alternative arrangements if family members have mobility challenges, medical needs, or require assistive equipment.

3. Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit

Prepare a disaster supply kit that can sustain your household for at least 72 hours - ideally longer - in case you must shelter in place or utilities are disrupted. Core items include:

• Water: one gallon per person per day.

• Food: non-perishable supplies for several days.

• Flashlight(s), extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

• First aid kit and essential medications.

• Phone chargers, power banks, and backup batteries.

• Whistle, local maps, and manual can opener.

• Important documents (ID, insurance, medical records) stored in a waterproof container.

• Hygiene supplies, blankets, clothing layers, and pet supplies.

• Consider special items for infants, elderly family members, or individuals with disabilities.

Your kit should be easy to carry in case you must evacuate quickly and reviewed every six months to replace expired items.

4. Stay Informed

• Sign up for wireless emergency alerts and download apps such as the FEMA app for real-time weather forecasts, alerts, and preparedness resources.

• Monitor local radio, TV, and social media during severe weather or emergency situations for official updates.

5. Engage Your Community

Prepared communities are resilient communities:

• Talk with your neighbors about emergency planning and supplies.

• Share your plan with close friends, relatives, or support networks.

• Participate in local training or preparedness programs offered by SREMA or Lancaster County Emergency Management. 

Consider joining community preparedness efforts like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) or similar volunteer programs to learn basic disaster response skills and assist neighbors in a crisis. 

6. Prepare Your Property

• Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects before storms.

• Trim trees and clear gutters to reduce damage from wind or heavy rain.

• Ensure insurance coverage is up to date, and document valuable property with photos or videos. 

7. Special Considerations

For households with pets, infants, older adults, or medical needs:

• Include extra pet food, water, and medical supplies in your kit.

• Maintain a list of medications and medical equipment, and plan for how to power or transport necessary devices. 

8. Review and Practice

Preparedness is ongoing:

• Review your emergency plan at least annually.

• Update contact lists, meeting locations, and supply kits regularly.

• Practice evacuation drills and communication plans with your household to ensure everyone knows what to do. 

Remember: Being Prepared Helps Save Lives

Natural disasters are a matter of when, not if. Taking action now - planning, preparing supplies, and staying informed - reduces risk, improves safety, and strengthens our entire community’s resilience.

For additional resources and downloadable guides, visit official emergency management sites such as FEMA, Ready.gov, Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, and the CDC’s natural disaster preparedness pages. 

Susquehanna Regional Emergency Management Agency (SREMA)
Committed to keeping East Donegal & Conoy Townships prepared, informed, and safe.