Emergency Preparedness

Red backpack with emergency supplies: water, food, flashlight, gloves, first aid, and more.

ACIL’s Role in Emergency Preparedness

ACIL works to ensure emergency planning includes the needs of people with disabilities. Too often, plans overlook critical factors like accessible communication, transportation, and shelters.

We partner with organizations such as:

  • FEMA
  • Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Committee (KPEPC)
  • Kanawha County Office of Emergency Management / Homeland Security
  • WV Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
  • Ready WV
  • West Virginia Region 1 Long Term Disaster Recovery Group
  • Multi-Agency Planning and Advisory Committee
  • Kanawha Charleston Health Department


Stay Informed

Kanawha County Metro 911 uses the RAVE ALERT emergency communication system to keep residents updated during emergencies. Messages can be sent to your home phone, cell phone, or email.


https://www.metro911.org/rave-alert-smart-911


Build Your Emergency Supply Kit


https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/ready_supply-kit-checklist.pdf


A basic emergency kit helps reduce the impact of disasters. Make sure it meets your family’s specific needs and review it regularly. Here’s what to include:

  • Water: 3-day supply (1 gallon per person, per day)
  • Food: 3-day supply of non-perishable items
  • Can opener & utensils
  • Pet supplies: Food, water, ID tags, vaccination records, vet info
  • Medications: At least a 3-day supply
  • Assistive technology or medical devices
  • Flashlight & extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • First aid kit
  • Warm clothing & blankets
  • Whistle (for signaling)
  • Filter face masks (smoke/dust protection)
  • Emergency contacts list
  • Copies of important documents
  • Cash & coins
  • Sanitation items: Wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
  • Chlorine bleach (for disinfecting water/surfaces)


Fire Safety and Smoke Detectors

Working smoke detectors save lives. The Charleston Fire Department and local partners stress the importance of having smoke detectors in every home.

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test detectors monthly to make sure they’re working.
  • Change batteries at least once a year, or whenever the detector chirps.
  • Replace detectors every 10 years to ensure reliability.

Many local fire departments provide free smoke detectors and can even help with installation, especially for people with disabilities or seniors.


Remember: a working smoke detector can double your chances of surviving a home fire.



American Red Cross — Sound the Alarm & Home Fire Campaign

Free smoke alarm installations, fire safety education, door-to-door or event-based help. If you need a free smoke alarm or help with installation,

call 1-800-733-2767.


Accessible Smoke Alarm Project (ASAP), WV  Distributes accessible smoke alarms at no cost to homeowners who are deaf or hard of hearing. These alarms include special features like flashing lights, bed shakers, etc.

Apply https://dhhr.wv.gov/cdhh/equipment


Charleston Fire Department  offers   Fire safety education, public training, and local fire prevention efforts. They sometimes partner in free alarm installations in emergency situations.

Office number (non-emergency) is (304) 348-8137.