Preparedness by hazard
Emergency Preparedness by Disaster Type
Emergencies do not all unfold the same way. These guides help you prepare for the disruptions most likely to affect your household.
Quick answer
Use these guides to plan for specific disruptions without treating every scenario the same.
Choose a disaster guide
Choose the guide that best matches your household risk or planning need.
Civil Unrest
Civil unrest can affect movement, safety, essential services, and daily routines.
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Cyber Attack
Cyber incidents can disrupt data, communication, finances, and critical services.
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Supply Chain Disruption
Plan for temporary shortages, price changes, or delayed access to essentials.
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Extreme Heat
Heat can create health risks and power strain, especially during prolonged events.
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Hurricane/Flooding
Flooding and storms can affect roads, utilities, property, and evacuation decisions.
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Forest/Wildfire
Wildfire preparedness includes air quality, evacuation readiness, and power disruption planning.
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Radiation Exposure
Understand basic protective actions for rare but serious radiation concerns.
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Related preparedness guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which emergency to prepare for?
Start with the risks most likely to affect your household and region, such as outages, severe weather, flooding, heat, cold, or supply interruptions. Then add plans for lower-likelihood events over time.
Do I need a separate plan for every disaster type?
No. Many basics overlap. Water, food, light, first aid, communication, documents, and evacuation planning help across many disruptions. Add hazard-specific steps where they matter.
What if a disaster type is not listed here?
Use the closest related guide and focus on the likely effects: power loss, unsafe travel, water disruption, communication problems, evacuation, sheltering in place, or delayed access to supplies.
Is this information meant for worst-case scenarios?
No. The goal is everyday readiness without panic. These guides are meant to help households make realistic decisions before a disruption feels urgent.
Where should I start if I am new to preparedness?
Start with the Start Here guide, build a 72-hour foundation, sign up for local alerts, and choose one likely local disruption to plan for first.
What should I do before a storm or warning event?
Charge devices, check alerts, gather supplies, secure outdoor items if relevant, review your household plan, and make sure water, food, medication, and light sources are easy to access.
What should I do during an emergency?
Follow official instructions, avoid unnecessary travel, conserve phone battery, check on household members, use supplies safely, and document important updates or damage when it is safe.
What should I do after a disruption?
Check for hazards first, avoid unsafe food or water, document damage, replenish used supplies, update your plan, and note what would make the next event easier.