After a disaster, you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore, so it is crucial to plan for the resources you use regularly, and what you would do if those resources are limited or not available. An Emergency Action Plan is an instruction manual for how to stay healthy, stay informed, and stay in contact in an emergency. Because an Emergency Action Plan affects everyone in your household, the whole household should be involved in making and practicing the plan.
People with Special Needs
Children will be less likely to experience prolonged fear or anxiety if they know what to expect before, during, and after an earthquake. Talking to children openly will also help them overcome fears.
Stay In Contact: Know how to inform family, friends, and caregivers of your well-being and whereabouts if your family is not together when a disaster strikes.
People with Special Needs
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American Sign Language - Apply for Disaster Assistance American Sign Language - How to Register for Disaster Assistance Earthquake Preparedness for People with Mobility Disabilities 
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish Earthquake Safety Video Preparedness for People with Mobility Disabilities Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs of People with Disabilities FEMA Accessible Assisting Applicants with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs FEMA Accessible HHS Emergency Prescription Assistance Program FEMA Accessible Other Needs Assistance Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs 
Presentation for Seniors and People with Disabilities Power Point We Prepare Everyday - Open Caption and Interpreter Preparedness Video Additional Planning Steps Should Include
Get Informed
- Know what disasters could affect your area and which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV, radio, and follow mobile alert and mobile warnings about severe weather in your area.
- Download the FEMA app, receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
- Create a support network. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit.
- Be ready to explain to first responders that you need to evacuate and choose to go to a shelter with your family, service animal, caregiver, personal assistant, and your assistive technology devices and supplies.
- Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting to a medical clinic. Work with local services, public transportation or paratransit to identify your local or private accessible transportation options.
- Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies; you may want to consider giving one member a key to your house or apartment.
- Contact your city or county government’s emergency management agency or office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be helped quickly in a sudden emergency.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
- If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets.
- If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.
- If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.)
- If you use assistive technology devices, such as white canes, CCTV, text-to-speech software, keep information about model numbers and where you purchased the equipment, etc.
- Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases, pictures or pictograms.
- Keep Braille/text communication cards, if used, for 2-way communication.
- Preparedness tips for diabetics.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services online tool helps people locate and access their electronic health records from a variety of sources.
- Plan for children with disabilities and people, who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
- Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or sign up online
- The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at (877) 212-9991 or sign up online
Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
During and after a disaster, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disaster. Connect with family, friends, and others in your community. Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help.
People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.
Take care of yourself and each other to cope during an emergency or disaster.
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.
Tornado | Rain and Floods | Earthquakes | Lightning | Volcanoes | Winter Storm
Disaster Safety Plans
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
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 A Family Communication Plan - Spanish Version All-Hazards Preparedness Guide Backpack Emergency Card Backpack Emergency Card - Spanish Version Emergency Kit Checklist Emergency Kit Checklist - Spanish Version Family Communication Plan Template Pet Emergency Kit Pet Emergency Kit - Spanish Version 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 lense 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.
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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.
Educational Materials
Download Severe Weather Educational Fact Sheets, Videos, Coloring and Activity Books
5 Weird Disasters in 60 Seconds 8 Tips to Cleanup Mold 8 Tips to Cleanup Mold - Spanish Be Ready Floods Infographic Be Ready Floods Infographic - Spanish Flood Education and Awareness Coloring and Activity Workbook Flood Hazards A National Threat Fact Sheet Flood Smart DIY in 5 Steps Focus on Floods Check Your River Level Fact Sheet Focus on Floods Have a Plan Fact Sheet Focus on Floods Sign Up for Flood Alerts Fact Sheet Focus on Floods Turn Around Dont Drown Fact Sheet Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages and Floods Fact Sheet Owlie Skywarn for Kids Floods Coloring and Activity Book Owlie Skywarn for Kids Hurricanes Coloring and Activity Book Owlie Skywarn for Kids Lightning Coloring and Activity Book Owlie Skywarn for Kids Tornadoes Coloring and Activity Book Owlie Skywarn for Kids Winter Storms Coloring and Activity Book Owlie SKYWARN Storms Ahead Coloring and Activity Book Rip Current Safety for Kids Severe Weather Preparedness Stay a Float in Flooding Tips to Prepare Staying Cool in Extreme Heat What is El Niño - Interview with NWS Miami What You Need to Know About El Niño - Animated Video Flood Insurance 101 Part 1 Flood Insurance 101 Part 2 Flood Insurance 101 - FAQ Flood Insurance Animation When the Clouds Form - Flood Preparedness Animated Video Download Ready Wrigley Activity Books
Educational materials in 23 different languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide Flooding and Mold Safety Awareness Activity Book Lead In Water Safety Awareness Activity Book Ready Wrigley Coping After A Disaster Activity Book Ready Wrigley Earthquake Preparedness Activity Book Ready Wrigley Extreme Heat Preparedness Activity Book Ready Wrigley Flu Season Preparedness Activity Book Ready Wrigley Hurricane Preparedness Activity Book Ready Wrigley Tornado Preparedness Activity Book Ready Wrigley Winter Weather Preparedness Activity Book Zika and Mosquito Bites Safety Awareness Activity Book Zombie Preparedness Graphic Story Book Download Emergency Preparedness Activities
Adventures of Terry and Gracie Story Book 
Be Smart Get Prepared Image Comic Strip 1 Supply Kit Comic Strip 2 Family Plan Comic Strip 3 Weather Preparedness Escape Grid Family Communication Plan Template Know Your Alerts and Warnings Pack It Up Game Ready Family Supply Checklist 1 Download Emergency Preparedness Activity Books
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 1 Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 2 Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 3 Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book English Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book Spanish Earthquake Safety Activities for Children and Teachers Emergency Preparedness Activity Book 11-12-13 Focus on Floods Living Local Activity Worksheets Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring and Activity Book Fred The Preparedness Dog Activity Book Hurricane Awareness Activity Book Prepare with Pedro Disaster Preparedness Activity Book Ready Kids Activity Book Ready Wrigley Hurricanes Activity Book World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide Download Emergency Preparedness Coloring Pages
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book Disaster Preparedness Earthquake Coloring and Activity Book Disaster Preparedness Flood and Landslide Coloring Book Disaster Preparedness Safety Coloring and Story Book Earthquake Preparedness Coloring Book Flying and Swimming Animals Living Local Coloring Sheet Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring Pages Quakesafe Emergency Preparedness Coloring Book Download Emergency Preparedness Puzzles
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 1 Activity Book Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 2 Activity Book Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 3 Activity Book Disaster Word Search Activity Book Download Emergency Learning Activities
100-Year Flood It's All About Chance 2-1-1 An Easy-to-remember Three-digit Number to Obtain Free Services and Resources 911 Call for Emergency Learning and Safety Activity Book A First Priority Evacuation Order Checklist Air Conditioned Shelter Emergency Evacutation or Use of Cooling Centers Air Filtration - Wildfire Smoke Factsheet - Indoors All-Hazards Preparedness Guide Child Safety Coloring and Activity Book Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home - Everyday Steps and Extra Steps When Someone is Sick Cloth Face Coverings Questions and Answers DIY Face Mask Template and Easy and Quick Making a Mask Emergency Financial First Aid Kit Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - Spanish Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area - Spanish Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic - Spanish Emergency Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Activity Guide Emergency Savings Fitness Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future FAQ What is a Watch How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Video Kids Injury Prevention and Safety Activity Book National Park Service Definitions for Fire and Wildfire Parents Prevent Lead Poisoning for Kids Coloring Book Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Activity Guide Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness - Spanish What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment - Spanish World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide Download Emergency Learning Videos
3 Steps to Prepare Your Finances for Natural Disasters 5 Weird Disasters in 60 Seconds 8 Tips to Cleanup Mold 8 Tips to Cleanup Mold - Spanish Don't Wait Emergency Preparedness Electrical Fire Safety Emergency Operations Center Emergency Preparedness Video Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities Family Communications Plan and Emergency Kit Food Safety Video Have Two Ways Out Fire Safety - Preparedness Animated Video Health Sector Resilience Important Things To Know Before a Disaster Introduction to the Public Health Preparedness Capabilities PHEP 102 - Overview of the Capabilities-Based Approach Preparing for Disasters and Important Documents IRS Video Prepping A Go Bag With Supplies In Case Of An Emergency It is Scary Simple Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Recipe for Preparedness – Trick-or-Treat Severe Weather Preparedness Stay a Float in Flooding Tips to Prepare Steps to Recover Financially from a Natural Disaster We Prepare Everyday - Open Caption and Interpreter Preparedness Video Playlist: 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.
The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends want to hold a secret race. Find out who wins this great race and how the Danger Rangers leap ...
