This guide provides basic information about disaster preparedness and cleanup tips to help reduce the risk of illnesses that disaster conditions can bring. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross are excellent additional resources to help in disaster situations. Getting Started Natural disasters usually strike suddenly and unexpectedly.
Families cope best when basic preparation and a plan are in place.
Understand the special needs of elderly or disabled persons, children or pets as they relate to individual situations. Have a list of organizations that can be contacted for emergency assistance, and keep it with disaster supplies. Be Ready, Stay Ready Learn and teach others how to turn off the electricity, gas and water. Update insurance policies to ensure adequate property coverage. Know how fire extinguishers work.