Department of Emergency Management

Knowing what to expect and the steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family. Disasters can happen anytime and anyplace. When a disaster strikes you may have only a short time to respond or prepare for the consequences. An accidental release of a hazardous chemical could mean a need for sheltering-in-place or an immediate evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family to your home. A flood or tornado could cut off basic services in the community; things like gas, water, and electricity for days. The effects of a disaster can be sudden and devastating.

Preparation for disasters reduces the impacts of a disaster. Every household's emergency preparations should include an emergency plan. The Dane County Household Emergency Plan Template provides a format and suggestions for information and procedures to include in a household-specific plan. This template should be modified to meet household-specific needs. The Guide for Household Emergency Plans, the Household Emergency Plan Template ( PDF or MS Word 2000) may be downloaded to start the planning process.

Recent Updates

• Give Yourself a Better Chance

  Disaster Preparedness Registry

  The Dane County Disaster Assistance Voluntary Registry has been developed in an effort to identify individuals who cannot safely evacuate their homes in the event of a disaster. View information and the registration form at the following website:

  • Disaster Preparedness Registry Webpage