Threat Preparedness
Prepare for Disasters-Are You Ready?
An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness FEMA P-2064 | September 2020
Not if, but when: Every U.S. state and territory is at risk of disasters. Disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year, leaving behind lasting effects on people and property. After a disaster, many others in your community need help as well. For this reason, local first responders and other assistance may not be able to reach you right away. You and your family can take simple steps now to prepare for emergencies. By doing so, you take back control—even in the uncertainty of disaster.
Benefits of Planning Ahead
There are many benefits to planning ahead for disasters. The most important benefits are staying safe and helping yourself and your community recover.
People and families that plan for emergencies will:
• Help keep people safe;
• Limit property damage;
• Know what to do during and after a disaster;
• Better manage their savings;
• Support community preparedness; and
• Help their community get back up and running after a disaster.
Taking simple actions to protect against disaster helps you, your family, your community, and your country in important ways.
How to Prepare for Disasters
To prepare yourself and your family for a disaster, you should:
1) Know Your Risks
2) Make a Plan
3) Take Action
An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
(CDC: Public Health Matters Blog) Children with special healthcare needs may be more vulnerable during an emergency. They may have difficulty moving from one location to another, urgent or persistent medical needs, difficulty communicating or have trouble with transitioning to different situations. Please follow the link for more information to help prepare for your special child.
https://www.ready.gov/disability
Family Emergency Communications Plan
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Threat Preparedness/Public Health/Disaster Information and Resource Links
https://dhhr.wv.gov/healthprep/Pages/default.aspxhttps://emergency.cdc.gov/protect.asphttps://www.ready.gov/Españolhttps://www.ready.gov/ready-your-language