1. Get Informed

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross Chapter to gather information you will need to create a plan.

Community Hazards. Ask about the specific hazards that threaten your community (e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes) and about your risk from those hazards. Additionally, hazard information for your local area can be obtained at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/map/
Community Disaster Plans. Learn about community response plans, evacuation plans and designated emergency shelters. Ask about the emergency plans and procedures that exist in places you and your family spend time such as places of employment, schools and child care centers. If you do not own a vehicle or drive, find out in advance what your community’s plans are for evacuating those without private transportation.
Community Warning Systems. Find out how local authorities will warn you of a pending disaster and how they will provide information to you during and after a disaster. Learn about NOAA Weather Radio and its alerting capbilities (www.noaa.gov).
Assistance Programs. Ask about special assistance programs available in the event of an emergency. Many communities ask people with a disability to register, usually with the local fire or police department, or the local emergency management office so needed help can be provided quickly in an emergency. Let your personal care attendant know you have registered, and with whom. If you are electric-dependent, be sure to register with your local utility company.

Learn More

For more information please contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter.

Other preparedness materials are available at www.ready.gov.