Disasters can strike without warning, and emergency responders are unlikely to be able to provide immediate assistance for thousands of people affected at the same time.  Even an incident that doesn't disrupt your community can still be a disaster for you. Take advantage of the tools on this website and prepare now.

Ensure your readiness and increase your ability to survive by doing the following:

• Keep up with local weather and road conditions
• Develop a disaster plan for you and your family, including procedures for contacting each other if separated during an emergency: this card can help!

• FCC tips for communicating in an emergency

• Learn about additional resources for emergency communication and reunification with your family:

• American Red Cross Safe and Well website (free; no preregistration)

• Contact Loved Ones voicemail service (free; no preregistration)

• FEMA National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (free; activated only for Presidentially-declared major disasters or emergencies; more information)

• Safety Maps (free, easy-to-use planning tool)

• Assemble an emergency kit - this video offers tips for building a kit on a budget
• Tips on emergency drinking-water disinfection
• Tips on safe use of medications after a fire or disaster
• If you're dependent on electricity life-safety equipment, consider a generator.  For safe installation and usage, your local electric utility may be able to provide assistance.  Would a short video help?
  
• Beware of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after a disaster, especially if you're using a generator, camp stove, or other means of heating/cooking/power that you're not used to.
  
  
•  Don't forget critical documents, financial preparedness, and other aspects of disaster recovery!
• Are you adequately insured?
• Learn how (and whether) to shut-off your utilities

• Video: shutting off electricity at the breaker box

• Video: turning off propane (LPG) service

• Video: shutting off residential water

• Video: draining your water heater (potential water source in disaster)

• Learn CPR, first-aid, and how to use a fire extinguisher
• Work with your neighbors to prepare your community

Want to see how it's done?  Check out some videos on preparing for emergencies! (Courtesy Washington State Emergency Management Division)

Local emergency management agencies

See additional preparedness resources for:

• Animals (pets and livestock)
• Children
• Expectant parents
• People with disabilities and special medical needs
• Schools
• Seniors

Featured (external) websites

• 72hours.org (City of San Francisco)
• American Red Cross: Get Prepared
• Code Ready: get information, build your kit and plan (State of Minnesota)
• Disaster Hero (interactive preparedness game from FEMA and the American College of Emergency Physicians)
• DisasterSafety.org (Institute for Business & Home Safety: business preparedness)
• FEMA: Are You Ready?
• Oregon Public Health - Preparedness
• US Dept. of Agriculture: keeping food safe during an emergency
• What's Your Readiness Quotient? (Council for Excellence in Government)

Additional external links