After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. There are many reasons to prepare your health and safety in an emergency. They start with your family and friends and extend to your neighbors and community at large.
Disaster Resources
Most Americans do not have supplies set aside or plans in place to protect themselves or their family’s health and safety in the event of a natural disaster, a power outage, or a flu pandemic.
Cleanup of Flood Water Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters
Illnesses, injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, animals & insects, food, water, cleanup, mold, environmental concerns, and coping with a disaster.
Tornado | Rain and Floods | Earthquakes | Lightning | Volcanoes | Winter Storm
EPAP for Patients - phe.gov
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system.
People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.
If you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470.
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Extra Measures for People with Special Needs
- Write down your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Keep this list near you always–perhaps in your purse or wallet.
- Find someone nearby (a spouse, roommate, friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker) who will agree to assist you in case of an emergency. Give him or her a copy of your list. You may also want to provide a spare key to your home, or directions to find a key.
- Keep aware of weather conditions through whatever means are accessible to you. Some options are closed captioning or scrolled warnings on TV, radio bulletins, or call-in weather information lines.
Disaster Safety Plans
Download Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
Checklist on Emergency Preparedness
A Family Communication Plan
DownloadSize 601.3 KB
A Family Communication Plan - Spanish Version
DownloadSize 601.3 KB
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
DownloadSize 981.67 KB
Backpack Emergency Card
DownloadSize 563.51 KB
Backpack Emergency Card - Spanish Version
DownloadSize 563.51 KB
Emergency Kit Checklist
DownloadSize 219.48 KB
Emergency Kit Checklist - Spanish Version
DownloadSize 219.48 KB
Family Communication Plan Template
DownloadSize 712.54 KB
Pet Emergency Kit - Spanish Version
DownloadSize 177.2 KB
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lenses solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Public Downloads
All items are free to view, share, and download.
Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.
Download Personal Forms
An Official Individual State List for Vital Records
DownloadSize 585.28 KB
Blood Pressure and Glucose Tracker
DownloadSize 14.83 KB
Business Trip Checklist
DownloadSize 24.5 KB
California Advance Health Care Directive Form
DownloadSize 409.55 KB
California Do Not Resuscitate Form
DownloadSize 350.19 KB
California General Durable Power of Attorney Form
DownloadSize 266.71 KB
California Last Will and Testament Form
DownloadSize 303.11 KB
College Comparison Tracker
DownloadSize 14.45 KB
Emergency Contact Form
DownloadSize 26.21 KB
Emergency-Contact Form
DownloadSize 229.03 KB
Family Emergency Plan
DownloadSize 13.64 KB
Gas Mileage Tracker
DownloadSize 16.63 KB
Generic Authorization Medical Release Form
DownloadSize 221.81 KB
Home Inventory Checklist
HOTDownloadSize 1.36 MB
Household Organizer
DownloadSize 17.54 KB
Partner Weight Tracker
DownloadSize 14.21 KB
Vacation Packing List
DownloadSize 134.59 KB
Vacation Packing List
DownloadSize 110.49 KB
Download Organ Donation Content
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work English
DownloadSize 521.1 KB
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work Spanish
DownloadSize 535.32 KB
The Gift of Life for Families Everywhere (Spanish and English) Brochure
DownloadSize 9.03 MB
Transplantation System Infographic
DownloadSize 247.04 KB
What You Need to Know About Donation
DownloadSize 654.9 KB
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Download People with Special Needs Preparedness Planning Steps, Activities and Videos
American Sign Language - Apply for Disaster Assistance
DownloadSize 10.44 MB
American Sign Language - How to Register for Disaster Assistance
DownloadSize 13.07 MB
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs
DownloadSize 669.48 KB
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
DownloadSize 815.79 KB
Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs
DownloadSize 68.17 KB
Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
DownloadSize 67.68 KB
Earthquake Safety Video Preparedness for People with Mobility Disabilities
DownloadSize 17.99 MB
Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs of People with Disabilities
DownloadSize 127.48 KB
FEMA Accessible Assisting Applicants with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
DownloadSize 45.24 MB
FEMA Accessible HHS Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
DownloadSize 19.35 MB
FEMA Accessible Other Needs Assistance
DownloadSize 25.65 MB
Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs
DownloadSize 39.62 MB
Presentation for Seniors and People with Disabilities Power Point
DownloadSize 1.63 MB
We Prepare Everyday - Open Caption and Interpreter Preparedness Video
DownloadSize 20.11 MB
Download Severe Weather Educational Fact Sheets, Videos, Coloring and Activity Books
5 Weird Disasters in 60 Seconds
DownloadSize 8.3 MB
8 Tips to Cleanup Mold
DownloadSize 6.47 MB
8 Tips to Cleanup Mold - Spanish
DownloadSize 3.2 MB
Be Ready Floods Infographic
DownloadSize 448.86 KB
Be Ready Floods Infographic - Spanish
DownloadSize 449.97 KB
Flood Education and Awareness Coloring and Activity Workbook
DownloadSize 55.05 MB
Flood Hazards A National Threat Fact Sheet
DownloadSize 2.35 MB
Flood Smart DIY in 5 Steps
DownloadSize 3.02 MB
Focus on Floods Check Your River Level Fact Sheet
DownloadSize 352.04 KB
Focus on Floods Have a Plan Fact Sheet
DownloadSize 305.07 KB
Focus on Floods Sign Up for Flood Alerts Fact Sheet
DownloadSize 302.06 KB
Focus on Floods Turn Around Dont Drown Fact Sheet
DownloadSize 270.29 KB
Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages and Floods Fact Sheet
DownloadSize 2.22 MB
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Floods Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.17 MB
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Hurricanes Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 877.19 KB
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Lightning Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 921.51 KB
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Tornadoes Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 978.86 KB
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Winter Storms Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 989.51 KB
Owlie SKYWARN Storms Ahead Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 17.63 MB
Rip Current Safety for Kids
DownloadSize 9.38 MB
Severe Weather Preparedness
DownloadSize 38.4 MB
Stay a Float in Flooding Tips to Prepare
DownloadSize 7.86 MB
Staying Cool in Extreme Heat
DownloadSize 4.36 MB
What is El Niño - Interview with NWS Miami
DownloadSize 23.16 MB
What You Need to Know About El Niño - Animated Video
DownloadSize 5.33 MB
Flood Insurance 101 Part 1
DownloadSize 193.7 MB
Flood Insurance 101 Part 2
DownloadSize 183.1 MB
Flood Insurance 101 - FAQ
DownloadSize 134.19 MB
Flood Insurance Animation
DownloadSize 2.34 MB
When the Clouds Form - Flood Preparedness Animated Video
DownloadSize 8.82 MB
Download Ready Wrigley Activity Books
Educational materials in 23 different languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
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All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
DownloadSize 981.67 KB
Flooding and Mold Safety Awareness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.91 MB
Lead In Water Safety Awareness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.14 MB
Ready Wrigley Coping After A Disaster Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.88 MB
Ready Wrigley Earthquake Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.82 MB
Ready Wrigley Extreme Heat Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 2 MB
Ready Wrigley Flu Season Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.6 MB
Ready Wrigley Hurricane Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.85 MB
Ready Wrigley Tornado Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.74 MB
Ready Wrigley Winter Weather Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 2.02 MB
Zika and Mosquito Bites Safety Awareness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.37 MB
Zombie Preparedness Graphic Story Book
DownloadSize 11.82 MB
Download Emergency Preparedness Activities
Adventures of Terry and Gracie Story Book
DownloadSize 4.61 MB
Be Smart Get Prepared Image
DownloadSize 218.48 KB
Comic Strip 1 Supply Kit
DownloadSize 1.44 MB
Comic Strip 2 Family Plan
DownloadSize 1.41 MB
Comic Strip 3 Weather Preparedness
DownloadSize 1.47 MB
Family Communication Plan Template
DownloadSize 712.54 KB
Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image
DownloadSize 137.14 KB
Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image PDF Version
DownloadSize 179.87 KB
Know Your Alerts and Warnings
DownloadSize 1.74 MB
Ready Family Supply Checklist 1
DownloadSize 162.33 KB
Download Emergency Preparedness Activity Books
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 1
DownloadSize 2.95 MB
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 2
DownloadSize 1.77 MB
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 3
DownloadSize 8.02 MB
Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book English
DownloadSize 27.06 MB
Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book Spanish
DownloadSize 20.45 MB
Earthquake Safety Activities for Children and Teachers
DownloadSize 4.97 MB
Emergency Preparedness Activity Book 11-12-13
DownloadSize 698.78 KB
Focus on Floods Living Local Activity Worksheets
DownloadSize 2.75 MB
Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 6.85 MB
Fred The Preparedness Dog Activity Book
DownloadSize 5.85 MB
Hurricane Awareness Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.59 MB
Prepare with Pedro Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
DownloadSize 2.69 MB
Ready Kids Activity Book
DownloadSize 2.18 MB
Ready Wrigley Hurricanes Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.85 MB
World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide
DownloadSize 1.62 MB
Download Emergency Preparedness Coloring Pages
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book
DownloadSize 3.57 MB
Disaster Preparedness Earthquake Coloring and Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.12 MB
Disaster Preparedness Flood and Landslide Coloring Book
DownloadSize 2.11 MB
Disaster Preparedness Safety Coloring and Story Book
DownloadSize 925.87 KB
Earthquake Preparedness Coloring Book
DownloadSize 4.96 MB
Flying and Swimming Animals Living Local Coloring Sheet
DownloadSize 3.1 MB
Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring Pages
DownloadSize 5.05 MB
Quakesafe Emergency Preparedness Coloring Book
DownloadSize 478.21 KB
Download Emergency Preparedness Puzzles
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 1 Activity Book
DownloadSize 1016.51 KB
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 2 Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.08 MB
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 3 Activity Book
DownloadSize 1.06 MB
Disaster Word Search Activity Book
DownloadSize 989.77 KB
Download Emergency Learning Activities
100-Year Flood It's All About Chance
DownloadSize 1.78 MB
2-1-1 An Easy-to-remember Three-digit Number to Obtain Free Services and Resources
DownloadSize 617.97 KB
4 Seasons of Safety Tour
DownloadSize 27.73 MB
911 Call for Emergency Learning and Safety Activity Book
DownloadSize 14.99 MB
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
DownloadSize 981.67 KB
Child Safety Coloring & Activity Book
DownloadSize 7.25 MB
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home - Everyday Steps and Extra Steps When Someone is Sick
DownloadSize 721.17 KB
Cloth Face Coverings Questions and Answers
DownloadSize 888.37 KB
DIY Face Mask Template and Easy and Quick Making a Mask_(Optimized)
DownloadSize 466.3 KB
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
DownloadSize 9.4 MB
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - Spanish
DownloadSize 8.69 MB
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area
DownloadSize 81.96 KB
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area - Spanish
DownloadSize 99.19 KB
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic
DownloadSize 503.84 KB
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic - Spanish
DownloadSize 529.63 KB
Emergency Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Activity Guide
DownloadSize 58.04 KB
Emergency Savings Fitness Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future
DownloadSize 972.16 KB
FAQ What is a Watch
DownloadSize 24.51 MB
How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Video
DownloadSize 7.27 MB
Kids Injury Prevention and Safety Activity Book
DownloadSize 8.6 MB
National Park Service Definitions for Fire and Wildfire
DownloadSize 357.84 KB
Parents Prevent Lead Poisoning for Kids Coloring Book
DownloadSize 2.83 MB
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness
DownloadSize 478.38 KB
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness - Spanish
DownloadSize 1.65 MB
What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment
DownloadSize 194.74 KB
What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment - Spanish
DownloadSize 216.82 KB
World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide
DownloadSize 1.62 MB
Danger Rangers
Seven animal heroes called the "Danger Rangers," their robot Fallbot, and their artificial intelligence called SAVO teach children about safety through examples, such as environmental hazards and unsafe places.
Read More: Wikipedia
