United We Prepare
We can’t predict the future, but we can be ready for it. United Way works in communities around the world to learn from the lessons of the past and strengthen our capacity to respond. We live where we serve, so we know the resources people count on and the gaps that can leave them vulnerable.
In partnership with Verizon, we have expanded this work by hosting disaster preparedness workshops for community residents, developing an interactive quiz to improve people's knowledge of what to do when natural disasters occur, and sharing easy steps everyone can take to be ready.
We design our work to target specific local needs and vulnerabilities, helping our neighbors plan ahead with confidence.
Five Steps You Can Take Now
Take these free or low-cost steps to prepare for disasters.
2026 Preparedness Survey
New research from United Way and Verizon offers insights into where people turn for help in a natural disaster and the barriers to feeling adequately prepared.
Local Focus. Real Impact
United We Prepare is empowering communities to proactively prepare for disasters to save lives and speed recovery.
Verizon Community Disaster Resilience initiative
Verizon has partnered with United Way as part of its Community Disaster Resilience initiative. The United We Prepare program is one of many ways Verizon is providing tools, enabling access to innovative technologies and partnering with like-minded organizations to empower communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters with greater confidence.
With natural disasters and extreme weather on the rise, Verizon knows it’s no longer enough just to respond. Verizon is moving beyond traditional disaster response towards disaster resilience, equipping communities with the confidence to thrive.
Preparing Communities for Disaster
We are building a network of communities focused on resilience ahead of disasters. Find a preparedness program near you.
Our Impact
Through the United We Prepare partnership, United Way and Verizon are helping at-risk communities prepare for disasters. In 2025, we worked together in 14 markets across the country. Of those individuals we supported, 80% reported greater confidence in being prepared for a disaster.
170
disaster preparedness events held
14K+
disaster preparedness kits distributed
40K+
individuals served across the U.S.