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Disasters and Emergencies

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.  Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often.

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Eastern Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30 and Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30.  

Prepare a disaster supply kit and emergency plan. Remove damaged tree branches and secure loose gutters. Have alternative charging methods for devices that require power. Learn more about hurricanes

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.  Make sure your family has a plan and practices it often.

Order Free Preparedness Materials

Order free preparedness materials from FEMA’s online ordering platform. These materials can be shipped directly to you at no cost. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. Due to safety precautions put in place to protect employees and customers from COVID-19, you may experience delays. Thank you for your patience at this time.

Hazard Information Sheets

Use these two-sided information sheets to learn more about how to prepare for, keep safe during, and respond to hazards. Learn more about the research behind these information sheets on FEMA’s Protective Actions Research site.

Are You Ready? Guide (2020)

Learn how to protect yourself and your family during and after a disaster with the Are You Ready? Guide. Use this guide to develop a plan for any emergency or disaster.

Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan (PDF)

Family Communication Plan Fillable Card (Digital PDF)

Document and Insure Your Property (PDF)

Disasters are a matter of when, not if. Make sure you’re prepared by documenting your property and ensuring that you have the insurance coverage you need.

Know Your Alerts and Warnings (PDF)

When disaster strikes, know who to turn to for updates, alerts, and warnings. This guide outlines the U.S. alert and warning systems and the information you can expect to receive from each source.

Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables (PDF)

Be prepared for any disaster by safeguarding documents and valuables. This guide includes a checklist to help you prepare your documents should you need to file an insurance claim after a disaster.

12 Ways to Prepare (PDF)

This 9” x 6” cardstock postcard describes 12 key ways that you can prepare for disasters. Just add a USPS mailing sticker to the back to send to community members.

Last Updated: 12/04/2020