Disaster Planning and Preparedness

Fires, floods, tornadoes, hazardous material spills . . . disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. They can strike quickly and without warning. A disaster can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make your family and your home safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.

Every disaster is a very personal experience.

We in the American Red Cross know first-hand that in a burst of destructive fury, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural hazards rob families of their homes and belongings, cause major disruptions to businesses, and cost billions in property damage and economic losses. We also know from experience that the soaring social and economic costs of disasters can be dramatically reduced if families, businesses, and communities take proactive steps to reduce their vulnerability. Therefore, disaster preparedness and mitigation are top priorities of the American Red Cross. We have joined forces with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the insurance industry, emergency management and environment officials, educators, businesses, and other partners that are concerned about the increasing, and often unnecessary, losses caused by disasters. Together, we are leading efforts across the nation to do more, before disasters strike, to build a "culture of prevention" and to limit the harm inflicted on families and communities.

The key to physically, emotionally, and financially surviving a disaster lies in preparedness. The time to plan ahead is now.

Click on the links below to learn more about:

Prepare for a Disaster (PDF)
Disaster Preparedness for Schools & Businesses

Family Disaster Preparedness 

Do your children know how to get out of the house quickly and safely if there is a fire?

Do you have homeowner’s insurance? (Or renter’s insurance if you live in an apartment/duplex?)

Do you keep an up-to-date first aid kit in your home?

Do you have a family disaster supplies kit to help you through the hours/days following a disaster?

If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, your family may need to take a closer look at emergency planning. Preparedness is vital for surviving an emergency!

Click on the links below to learn more about:

Shelter in Place
Preparing for a Disaster (PDF)
Food & Water in an Emergency (PDF)
Pets and Disasters
Protecting Yourself Financially
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities & Other Speical Needs (PDF)
Disaster Preparedness for Senior Citizens