Overview

Preparedness Tips and Resources

Man placing a bin of disaster preparation items into the backseat of a car

Key disaster preparedness steps include building an emergency kit, making a family communication plan, signing up for local alerts, safeguarding your key documents, and knowing who to call for help. 

This resource hub brings together tips, how-to guides, and checklists to help you do all of it — before, during, and after a disaster. Wherever you are in getting ready, start here.

A woman packing her go bag
United We Prepare

How to Prepare for Disaster: 5 Simple Steps

Disaster can strike anytime — but a few simple steps now will help protect your family and give you peace of mind.

Learn more
Download the tip sheet PDF

Preparedness Tips and News

A person stuffing a water bottle in a go bag.
In the News

Nine Mistakes to Avoid This Storm Season

workers pile up sandbags to prepare for a flood
In The News

Three Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Extreme Weather

Preparedness Resources

Need some help getting prepared? Get handy checklists and how-to guides to walk you through the steps to be disaster ready.

 

Make a Plan

Set emergency contacts and a check-in plan everyone knows.

Build an Emergency Kit

Pack a home kit and grab-and-go-bag.

Get Alerts

Set up local alerts and enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A basic emergency kit should include water and non-perishable food for several days, medications, a flashlight and extra batteries, a phone charger or power bank, a first aid kit, cash, and copies of important documents. Keep one kit at home and a smaller “go bag” in your car.

  • List the people you'd rely on in an emergency — family, neighbors, friends — and include an out-of-area contact. Share phone numbers, medical needs, and pet information, agree on where you'll meet, and set a check-in routine so everyone knows how to report that they're safe.
     

  • Enable wireless emergency alerts in your phone's settings so public safety officials can reach you during a disaster. Adding a local weather app or saving a trusted weather site to your favorites gives you a second source of real-time updates.

  • 211 is a free, confidential 24/7 helpline that can connect you to local recovery resources.

    With more than 200 agencies across the United States, 211 offers compassionate, highly trained community specialists who are available to help you access the best local resources and services to address any need.

    Connect with 211

  • Check in with neighbors, friends, and family to share preparedness tips and identify who may need extra help. 

    You can also find a United We Prepare program near you to join workshops, build kits, and volunteer.

    Find Your Preparedness Program

    Or, if there is not a program near you, find your local United Way to get involved.

    Find Your Local United Way
     

     

Connect with United Way

Find a United We Prepare program in your community or connect with your local United Way for resources near you.
 

Find Your Preparedness Program
Find Your Local United Way