Disaster Preparedness

Disasters disrupt thousands of lives across the US every year, leaving behind lasting effects on people and property. Preparedness allows you to take back control – even in the uncertainty of disaster.

KNOW YOUR RISKS

Understand the risks you and your family may face while OUTCAN. Know how and when to take action before, during, and after different hazards and familiarize yourself with your Chain of Commands action plan!

MAKE A PLAN

Create a communications plan
- Template: Family Communications Plan
Prepare a "Go Bag"
Items will vary household to household, but consider the following:
- critical government identification (i.e., passports, visas, birth certificates – things that are hard to replace);
- bottled water or water purifier (e.g., lifestraw);
- high energy, low profile/small non-perishable food (e.g., protein or granola bars);
- supply of critical medicine, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication;
- mobile phone charger/power bank;
- money (either cash or traveller’s cheques); and
- a first aid kit, whistle, and multi-tool.
  
  This is by no means an exhaustive list but a starting point. The contents of your Go Bag should be tailored to your family’s unique needs (pets, children, disabilities, etc.) - visit www.ready.gov/kit to continue building your Go Bag!
Back-up your data
Make sure important files are safeguarded and all in the same place for easy portability (think passport, visa, birth certificate, rental agreement, medical information, household inventory, insurance policies, etc.)
- Check out FEMA's list of Critical Documents & Valuables

TAKE ACTION

Put your plan into action. Be ready and able to face disasters, no matter where you are and when they occur. It is important to get the insurance you need and understand your coverage options. Moreover, make an extra copy of your household inventory and protect your property by considering how to minimize damage.

DISASTER RECOVERY

Find Your Local Red Cross:
From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever we’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.
Red Cross Resource Directory:
The Red Cross Resource Directory connects people with free and reduced cost services in local communities. To get started, simply enter your zip code here. You will be taken to a listing of resources in your area, which you can refine by selecting a category or entering a keyword in the search field.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

PREPAREDNESS APPS

Don’t wait till the storm is coming or the earthquake starts to grab these from the app store!

First Aid: American Red Cross (Android | iOS)
The First Aid app offers step-by-step instructions for treating over 20 types of injuries, including those from natural disasters. It includes videos, a direct 911 call feature, and location services to find nearby hospitals.
FEMA: Disaster Alert App (Android | iOS)
FEMA's app provides information on over 20 types of emergencies, including avalanches and winter weather. It offers tips for preparation, links to emergency numbers like 911, and guidance for filing flood insurance claims. To save phone battery during emergencies, it's advised to take screenshots of important tips.