Be Ready Before
Disaster Preparedness Guide
Preparedness is R3sults' first principle. Communities that prepare experience dramatically fewer deaths, injuries, and recovery times. Use these resources to get your household ready.
Home Preparedness
- Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit with food, water, and medications
- Know your home's utility shutoffs (gas, water, electric)
- Create a household communication plan with out-of-area contacts
- Identify two exit routes from every room in your home
- Keep important documents in a waterproof, portable container
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for 3 days
Flood Preparedness
- Know your flood zone classification (FEMA Flood Map Service)
- Never drive through flooded roads — turn around, don't drown
- Move valuables and documents to upper floors before storms
- Consider flood insurance even if not in a high-risk zone
- Identify community shelters and know evacuation routes
- Disconnect electrical equipment if flooding is imminent
Earthquake Preparedness
- Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls
- Know Drop, Cover, and Hold On — practice it with your household
- Identify safe spots in each room away from windows and heavy items
- Store shoes near your bed in case of broken glass
- Keep a flashlight and shoes under your bed
- Know how to shut off your gas supply after an earthquake
Communications & Alerts
- Register for your local emergency alert system (text/email alerts)
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Program NOAA Weather Radio (162.400–162.550 MHz) in your area
- Designate an out-of-state family contact as your communication hub
- Download your local emergency management app
- Know the difference between Watch, Warning, and Advisory
Medical & First Aid
- Keep a stocked first aid kit at home and in your vehicle
- Know basic CPR and first aid — take a certified course
- Maintain a 30-day supply of essential prescription medications
- Know the location of the nearest emergency room and urgent care
- Keep medical records and insurance cards in your emergency kit
- Consider training as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member
Evacuation Planning
- Have a paper map — GPS may fail during disasters
- Identify two evacuation routes from your neighborhood
- Pre-identify pet-friendly shelters if you have animals
- Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least half full during storm season
- Prepare a go-bag ready to grab in under 5 minutes
- Practice your evacuation route with all household members annually
Free Resources
Download Preparedness Resources
Community Preparedness Training
R3sults offers certified community preparedness training programs for neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, and employers. Our trainers are all field-experienced responders.
Request TrainingOfficial Government Resources
For official emergency management guidance, visit Ready.gov (US), your local emergency management agency, or the FEMA website.
Visit Ready.gov