Disasters affect everyone. Each of us should have a plan based on our own needs.
You can benefit from working with a group of people to identify and plan for your needs. Team planning is even more important for people who may need extra help — including older adults, people with disabilities, or those with limited resources.
It's more important than ever to be prepared. The climate crisis is creating more frequent and extreme weather events. Prepare now to prevent, protect, and survive.
Understand Your Disaster Risks
- Learn about the disasters that may happen in your community
- Find out how disasters will be communicated — sign up for local alerts
- Download the Red Cross app
- Learn about threats to your area and what to do
Assess Your Needs
Think about the disasters that are likely and how they could impact you. Consider your abilities on a day-to-day basis and what you would need help with in a disaster:
- If power goes out — medical equipment may stop working; know your backup options
- You may not have clean water for drinking, bathing, or taking medication
- Stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities may be closed or too far away
- Communication may become difficult
- First responders may not be able to reach you immediately
- Think about transportation, health conditions, and your environment to determine your needs
Build a Support Team
Recruit people in your life who can help during a disaster — this is your support team. Choose neighbors, co-workers, friends, family members, caregivers, and/or members of your faith community.
- Plan ahead with each team member about how they can help
- Meet regularly to update plans and contact information
- Account for medical, physical, cognitive, sensory, and communication needs
- Make sure each member of your team has a copy of the plan
- Update the plan when your situation changes
- Consider transportation alternatives in advance
Make Plans to Stay Safe
There are different types of shelter you may need depending on the emergency. Plan for each scenario in advance.
- Evacuate — if your home isn't safe or you are ordered to leave, plan the help you may need to get there
- Stay Home — if it is safe to remain, plan how you will meet your needs without outside support
- Shelter Nearby — when evacuations are too risky, identify safe shelters close to your building
Plan to Stay Connected
- Have a battery-powered radio for local emergency alerts
- Keep your cell phone charged at all times
- Have a written list of emergency contacts
- Share your plan and set up group chats with your support team
- Sign up for local emergency alerts
- Know how to reach your support team if cell service is limited
Gather Emergency Supplies
Gather food, water, medicine, medical devices, and important documents ahead of time.
- Go Kit — at least 3 days of essentials in a bag ready to grab quickly, including chargers, batteries, and medical devices
- Stay-at-Home Kit — at least 2 weeks of supplies
- Medical Supplies — plan with your doctor to avoid running out; ask for at least a 1-week backup supply
- Insurance may cover an extra medication supply — ask your provider
- Prescriptions can often be emailed; discuss backup options with your doctor
- If you have a service animal, include at least 2 weeks of their supplies
Key Documents for Response and Recovery
Organize records for safe, easy access — especially during a power outage. Keep physical copies of all important documents.
- Contact information for your support team and services such as FEMA and Red Cross
- Finances and legal documents — income, bills, authorized agents, and assistance accounts
- Medical records — health conditions, medications, prescriptions, and insurance
- Pets and assistance animals — contact information and plans in case of separation
Take Care of Yourself
Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, exercise, and stay connected to others to help you remain resilient before, during, and after a disaster.
Consider stress management resources and take breaks when you need them.