Natural disasters and emergencies can strike without warning.
2024 emergency preparedness guide: hurricanes can occur at any time of the year and bring damaging winds, storm surges, and severe flooding across the United States.
Having an emergency plan is key to keeping your family safe during hurricane season. Prepare with the information provided by the government to stay safe in the event of a hurricane.
Create an emergency plan and practice it
Have a plan and practice it with your entire family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
- Develop an evacuation plan for different locations that includes how to contact each other and where to meet if family members are in different places during an emergency.
- Prepare an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, medications, and supplies for several days.
- Also have a plan to keep your pet safe by ensuring you have food and supplies in your kit.
Stay informed
Communications can fail at any time during a disaster. It’s important to access emergency alerts to stay informed.
- Download the FEMA app on your mobile phone to receive real-time updates.
- Get a battery-powered portable radio in case of power outages.
- Sign up to receive email alerts from local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Prepare your home
Here are some steps you can take to prevent damage to your home and protect your finances.
- Secure any loose items outside your home and trim tree branches hanging near your property.
- Consider getting flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Make copies of important documents like your driver’s license, Social Security card, and insurance policies, and include them in your emergency kit.
- Sign up to receive your Social Security payments and other government benefits electronically to avoid potential mail service delays.
Consider special needs in your plan
Adjust your plans based on your family’s needs. Pregnancy and early childhood, caring for a loved one with a disability, and the needs of an older adult require unique preparation for an emergency.
- If you’re pregnant, know where to go for prenatal care during an emergency (in English). Talk to your healthcare provider about your options if your office has to close during a disaster or emergency.
- If you have a disability or care for someone with a disability, learn FEMA’s recommendations for preparing a kit for people with disabilities. Keep extra medication on hand, prepare medical equipment and devices, and consider alternative ways to communicate your needs.
- If you’re an older adult or live with one, consider needs such as transportation, access to routine check-ups, and a support person who can assist you during an emergency.
Stay informed!
Stay informed! Follow USAGov en Español, your official guide to government information and services, on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
You can also subscribe to receive updates and email alerts.
Other government accounts with emergency information include FEMA, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center.
Image: Usa.Gov
