Emergency Preparedness information

The First 72 On You: Be Ready for the First 72 Hours After a Disaster.

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, emergency responders may not be able to reach everyone right away. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared to take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors for the first 72 hours—until help arrives. The First 72 on You campaign is designed to encourage every household to be ready with essential supplies and a plan for those critical hours following an emergency.

Prepare for the First 72 Hours After a Disaster

In the critical hours following a disaster, being prepared can make all the difference. Use the resources below to ensure you and your family have the essential supplies, plans, and information needed to stay safe and self-sufficient for the first 72 hours. Download these easy-to-follow checklists to help you get started today.

Downloadable Checklists:

Emergency Kit Checklist: Ensure you have the essential items to survive the first 72 hours.
Family Communication Plan Checklist: Create a solid plan for staying in touch with loved ones during an emergency.
Home Preparedness Checklist: Take steps to secure your home and reduce risks.
Pet Preparedness Checklist: Don’t forget your pets—download this checklist to keep them safe.
Vehicle Preparedness Checklist: Be ready on the road with a well-stocked emergency kit for your vehicle.

Stay Informed with ReGroup

Our mass notification system, ReGroup, keeps you connected and informed during emergencies. Whether it’s severe weather alerts, critical emergency information, or other vital updates, ReGroup ensures you receive timely notifications directly to your phone, email, or other devices. Stay safe, stay informed—sign up for ReGroup today and be prepared for any situation.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live. CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as:

Fire safety
Light search and rescue
Team organization
Disaster medical operations

If you are interested in joining CERT in Comanche County, scan the QR code or clink the link below for more information.

Comanche County CERT

Ready.gov is a national public service website designed to help individuals and families prepare for all kinds of emergencies. The site offers clear, straightforward guidance on what to do before, during, and after disasters, such as severe weather, fires, floods, and man-made incidents.

Learn More

Understanding Severe Weather in Comanche County

Severe weather is a key concern in Comanche County, as highlighted in our Hazard Mitigation Plan. The NSSL Severe Weather 101 page offers valuable information on the science behind storms, tornadoes, floods, and more. It also provides practical advice on how to stay safe during these events, which is crucial for our community.

On the NSSL page, you can:

Learn about severe weather risks: Understand how the same hazards identified in our Hazard Mitigation Plan, like tornadoes and floods, develop.
Get safety tips: Explore actions you can take to protect your family and property, aligning with our county’s mitigation efforts.
Explore interactive tools: Access videos, infographics, and real-time weather updates to better prepare for severe weather in Comanche County.

Visit NSSL Severe Weather 101 to better understand the weather hazards we face and improve your preparedness in line with our local mitigation strategies.

Be Prepared for Severe Weather in Comanche County

Storm Shelter Registry

Wildfire Safety in Comanche County

Wildfires are a significant risk in our area, especially during dry conditions. It’s crucial to be proactive in protecting your home, family, and property. By preparing in advance, staying informed, and knowing how to respond during a wildfire, you can minimize risk and increase safety.

Clear defensible space around your home, have an emergency kit ready, and always be aware of local evacuation routes.
Stay alert to real-time updates through local emergency alerts and always follow evacuation orders if issued.

For more information on how to prepare for wildfires, check out resources from Ready.gov, Firewise USA®, and other wildfire safety organizations.

Red Cross Wildfire Preparedness

Burn Bans and Red Flag Warnings: What You Need to Know

In Comanche County, Burn Bans and Red Flag Warnings are issued when fire risk is high due to dry conditions or extreme weather. During a Burn Ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including campfires, fireworks, and open-flame grilling. Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions like high winds and low humidity make wildfires more likely and harder to control.

What to Do:

Avoid outdoor burning or fire-related activities.
Be cautious with equipment that can cause sparks.
Stay informed by checking local updates and fire warnings.

Following these guidelines helps protect our community from devastating wildfires.

Firewise USA

Burn Ban Information

Ready.gov Wildfires

Emergency Preparedness information

The First 72 On You: Be Ready for the First 72 Hours After a Disaster.

Prepare for the First 72 Hours After a Disaster

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Downloadable Checklists:

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