Pets and animals are impacted by emergencies. It is critical to include their needs in your family’s preparedness efforts. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, is the same regardless of the type of emergency. Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.
Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.
Your Family Emergency Plan should outline what you will do with your pets if you have to evacuate. Since you will not know how long you will be gone, you must take your pets with you. When you go, they go! If you are going to a public shelter, pets may not be allowed, so it is important to plan where you will go in advance.
Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning. Discuss the types of things you should include
in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might
need to seek temporary shelter. Also talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. If you and your pet are
separated, this permanent implant for your pet and corresponding enrollment in a recovery database can help a
veterinarian or shelter identify your animal. If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact informa-
tion up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database is essential to you and your pet being reunited.
8 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Dog in the Summer
- Never, ever leave your dog in the car;
- Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water;
- Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside;
- Take walks during the cooler hours of the day;
- When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws;
- If you think it is hot outside, it is even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off;
- Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet;
- Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it is appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog's skin if she or he has a thin coat.
Video: Get Prepared with Bo and Sunny
Download Animal Disaster Preparedness Activity Books
Disaster and Emergency Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners
DownloadSize 21.88 MB
Finding A Local Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center It is Scary Simple
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Get Prepared with Bo and Sunny
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Keep Pets Safe During Winter Storms
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Measure Pet Body for Life Jacket Sizing Guide
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Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners
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Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners - Spanish
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Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners Fact Sheet
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Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners Fact Sheet - Spanish
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Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness
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Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness - Spanish
DownloadSize 1.65 MB
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.
Read More
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
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Blood Pressure and Glucose Tracker
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Business Trip Checklist
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California Advance Health Care Directive Form
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California Do Not Resuscitate Form
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California General Durable Power of Attorney Form
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California Last Will and Testament Form
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College Comparison Tracker
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Emergency Contact Form
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Emergency-Contact Form
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Family Emergency Plan
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Gas Mileage Tracker
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Generic Authorization Medical Release Form
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Home Inventory Checklist
HOTDownloadSize 1.36 MB
Household Organizer
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Partner Weight Tracker
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Vacation Packing List
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Vacation Packing List
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Download Organ Donation Content
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work English
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Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work Spanish
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The Gift of Life for Families Everywhere (Spanish and English) Brochure
DownloadSize 9.03 MB
Transplantation System Infographic
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What You Need to Know About Donation
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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
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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
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Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
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Earthquake Safety Video Preparedness for People with Mobility Disabilities
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Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs of People with Disabilities
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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
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8 Tips to Cleanup Mold
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8 Tips to Cleanup Mold - Spanish
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Be Ready Floods Infographic
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Be Ready Floods Infographic - Spanish
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Flood Education and Awareness Coloring and Activity Workbook
DownloadSize 55.05 MB
Flood Hazards A National Threat Fact Sheet
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Flood Smart DIY in 5 Steps
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Focus on Floods Check Your River Level Fact Sheet
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Focus on Floods Have a Plan Fact Sheet
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Focus on Floods Sign Up for Flood Alerts Fact Sheet
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Focus on Floods Turn Around Dont Drown Fact Sheet
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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
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Owlie Skywarn for Kids Hurricanes Coloring and Activity Book
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Owlie Skywarn for Kids Lightning Coloring and Activity Book
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Owlie Skywarn for Kids Tornadoes Coloring and Activity Book
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Owlie Skywarn for Kids Winter Storms Coloring and Activity Book
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Owlie SKYWARN Storms Ahead Coloring and Activity Book
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Rip Current Safety for Kids
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Severe Weather Preparedness
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Stay a Float in Flooding Tips to Prepare
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Staying Cool in Extreme Heat
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What is El Niño - Interview with NWS Miami
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What You Need to Know About El Niño - Animated Video
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Flood Insurance 101 Part 1
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Flood Insurance 101 Part 2
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Flood Insurance 101 - FAQ
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Flood Insurance Animation
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When the Clouds Form - Flood Preparedness Animated Video
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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
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Ready Wrigley Earthquake Preparedness Activity Book
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Ready Wrigley Extreme Heat Preparedness Activity Book
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Ready Wrigley Flu Season Preparedness Activity Book
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Ready Wrigley Hurricane Preparedness Activity Book
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Ready Wrigley Tornado Preparedness Activity Book
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Ready Wrigley Winter Weather Preparedness Activity Book
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Zika and Mosquito Bites Safety Awareness Activity Book
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Zombie Preparedness Graphic Story Book
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Download Emergency Preparedness Activities
Adventures of Terry and Gracie Story Book
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Be Smart Get Prepared Image
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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
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Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image
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Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image PDF Version
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Know Your Alerts and Warnings
DownloadSize 1.74 MB
Ready Family Supply Checklist 1
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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
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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
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
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Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area - Spanish
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Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic
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Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic - Spanish
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Emergency Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Activity Guide
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Emergency Savings Fitness Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future
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FAQ What is a Watch
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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
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Parents Prevent Lead Poisoning for Kids Coloring Book
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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
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What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment - Spanish
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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
