How to Prepare for a Climate Disaster

Evidence shows that preparing for a disaster helps to minimize damage, protect lives, and allows individuals and communities to recover more quickly after disaster strikes.

Key Points

  • Research what potential hazards may occur in your community.
  • Sign up for your county’s emergency alert system
  • Use our worksheets to identify your needs.
Table of Contents
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Assess Your Needs Worksheet
National Risk Index | FEMA  

Make an Emergency Plan for Yourself

The federal government provides an easy-to-use online planning tool for organizing your emergency plan. Click here to use their online form.

Reach Out

  • The first step in any emergency plan is building a network of family, friends, caregivers, and neighbors who can assist you during an emergency.
  • Communicate with your support network about where you keep your emergency supplies, and how they can gain access to your home.
  • Check with your network, local transportation provider, and your county emergency management agency to identify accessible transportation options in case you need to evacuate.
  • Most local emergency management agencies maintain lists of people who may need extra help during a disaster. Find your local office by searching online for your town name and “emergency management agency,” then ask to be added to the list.

Get Organized

  • Collect and copy important documents including identification, financial, legal and medical paperwork, then store them in a safe place, such as a metal safe or filing cabinet. For comprehensive document and financial planning, use FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
  • Keep a current list of medical information including chronic conditions, allergies, medications, doctors’ names and contact information, and insurance cards. Consider posting some of this information in a visible location.

Prepare Medically

  • If you require life-sustaining medical treatment, such as dialysis or oxygen, identify the name of more than one facility that could help you during an emergency.
  • If you use medical equipment that requires electricity, notify your power provider so they can put you on a list of priority power restoration. Consider investing in battery back-ups for your devices.
  • Organize your prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins. Keep at least 30 days of medications and extra assistive items, such as a cane or eyeglasses.
  • Plan for your food needs if you follow a special diet.If you have a serious chronic condition, purchase and wear a medical alert tag.

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