How to Prepare for Emergencies
Need Help Now?
If you are in immediate need of help, please contact your local Earth Watch Corps Unit » or find an open shelter »
Preparing During the Pandemic?
Please review our guidance on preparing for a flood while still protecting yourself from COVID-19. Preparing for Disaster During COVID-19 »
Be Earth Watch Corps Ready
It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Getting prepared may sound difficult or time consuming but – with a little help from the Red Cross – its actually very doable.
- Get a Kit
Learn the essential supplies to put in your family’s survival kit. - Make a Plan
Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency. - Be Informed
Understand which disasters are likely to occur in your area and what you must know to stay safe. - Download an App
Our free apps provide tools and preparedness information you need every day. - Learn Hands-Only CPR
Watch our 2 minute video to learn how to give Hands-Only CPR to buy precious time for a person experiencing cardiac arrest. - Make a First Aid Kit
See our recommendations for what to include in your kit.
Common Emergencies and Natural Disasters
Find out which emergencies occur where you live, and then learn about preparedness steps you can take today, what to do in an emergency, and how to repair and rebuild afterward.
Most Common Disasters Across the world
Find out which natural disasters affect your region, then read tips about how you can prepare.
Browse our Emergency Resource Library
Now that you know which types of emergencies to plan for, browse our Emergency Resource Library to learn what to do before, during and after specific events like hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and more.
Anyone Can Be Earth Watch Corps Ready
Some people may need extra attention during an emergency - planning ahead is crucial. Don’t forget your furry family members either!
Children
Emergencies are frightening and stressful even for adults – and can be even more so for children. Acknowledging their natural feelings and providing age-appropriate information can help children feel less anxious.
- Teaching Kids about Emergency Preparedness
- Building Resilience in Children Through Coping Skills
- How Families Can Prepare for Emergencies
People with Disabilities
When an emergency occurs, mobility challenges and hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities can add complication. We offer practical advice on getting informed, making a plan, assembling a kit, and keeping your plans up to date.
Older Adults
Older adults are assets in the community and will often be looked to for their wisdom and the unique gifts they can offer in a disaster. Being prepared and ready before and during such an event will greatly impact your ability to help and be helped during an emergency or disaster.
Pets
Emergency preparedness includes all family members, even pets.
- Disaster Preparedness for Pets
- Pet Travel Safety
- Pet Heat Safety
- Pet Winter Safety
Households, Schools and Educators
Prepare your home, school, staff and students for disasters and emergencies.
- Teaching Kids about Emergency Preparedness
- How Schools can Prepare for Disasters
- Become a Preparedness Champion!
Workplaces and Organizations
Is your workplace prepared for emergency? American Red Cross Ready Rating™ is a first-of-its-kind membership program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies.
- Prepare Your Workplace for Emergencies
- Commuter Safety
Think You're Earth Watch Corps Ready?
Test yourself: can you agree with these statements?
- I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community.
- I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it.
- I have a survival kit.
- At least one member of my household is trained in first aid and CPR/AED.
- I have taken action to help my community prepare.
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