Preparing for Emergencies

Get emergency alerts

Make sure your cell phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts turned on.

Get the FEMA mobile app for severe weather alerts and disaster resources.

Plan ahead to stay safe

In an emergency, being prepared is the best way to protect your family and community. After a major disaster, emergency services may not be able to reach you right away. Make sure your family knows what to do. Plan to be on your own for at least three days.

Learn how to prepare for emergencies:

Evacuations

Learn what to take with you in an evacuation:

What to Take with You
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Families with children

Disasters are scary for everyone, especially for children. Resources including how to talk to children about disasters, emergency kits for kids, and activity books can help.

Find resources for children:

Resource families (foster care)

In a major emergency or disaster, the local Child Welfare office needs to know where all children in care are located.

For resource parents:

What you must do during disasters or emergencies

People with disabilities

For people living with disabilities, it's important to create an emergency plan for specific needs. Visit these websites to learn about making a plan, emergency kits, communication, equipment and more:

Older adults

Knowing what to do and who to contact in an emergency is important, especially when you may need help from people close by. Learn about making a plan and steps older people can take to prepare for emergencies before they happen.