BE INFORMED

Learn what protective measures to take before, during, and after an emergency

MYTH: I DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT DISASTERS WHERE I LIVE.

Emergency preparedness is not only for Californians, Midwesterners and Gulf Coast residents. Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime. Americans also travel more than ever before to areas with different hazard risks than at home.

Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Use this site to learn about potential emergencies that can happen and how to prepare for and respond to them.

BASIC PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR ALL HAZARDS

Some basic protective actions are similar across many different hazards:

• Physical safety is a concern for all hazards and may involve sheltering or evacuating.
• Develop a family communications plan 
• Make an emergency supply kit to be prepared for any type of disaster.
• Learn about receiving emergency alerts and local emergency plans for shelter and evacuation, local emergency contacts, and local advance alerts and warnings.
• When recovering from a disaster, safety as well as mental and physical well-being must be considered.