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!

• Learn how to get the most out of your cell phone before and during an emergency

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

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

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

• Assemble an emergency kit
• 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?
• Don't forget critical documents and financial preparedness!
• 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

• Before Disaster Strikes (Oregon Trail Chapter, American Red Cross)
• 72hours.org (City of San Francisco)
• American Red Cross: Get Prepared
• Code Ready: get information, build your kit and plan (State of Minnesota)
• Consumer Reports storm and emergency guidance
• Disaster calendar: what happened on this date?
• DisasterSafety.org (Institute for Business & Home Safety: business preparedness)
• FEMA: Are You Ready?
• US Dept. of Agriculture: keeping food safe during an emergency
• What's Your Readiness Quotient? (Council for Excellence in Government)

Additional external links