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.

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.

Disaster Specific Preparedness

There are important differences among potential emergencies that should impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.

This site contains the following helpful information for each type of disaster:

• How to plan with your household and prepare in advance so you are ready

• Signs of hazardous events that come with very little warning

• How to protect your household during the disaster

• Begin recovery following the initial disaster

Learn this information for each type of disaster that could affect you:

• Natural Disasters

• Technological & Accidental Hazards

• Terrorist Hazards

• Pandemics

• Home Fires

For more information please go to: http://www.ready.gov/be-informed