Preparing for Disaster During COVID-19

Get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Get a vaccine to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. 

• Everyone ages 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Everyone ages 12 and up should get a booster shot.

There are three easy ways to find a nearby location where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine:

Wear a mask in indoor public places.

Vaccines will protect you from severe illness and death. After you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask in indoor public places. You can still be infected and transmit the virus to others.
If you are not vaccinated, get your vaccine, and wear a mask in indoor public places.

Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.

Understand your risks.

Some hazards, such as floods and home fires, can happen anywhere. Others, including earthquakes and hurricanes, are more common in certain areas. Learn about your local risks.

Plan to stay connected.

In a disaster, it is important to stay connected and informed.

• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio.
• Plan to monitor weather conditions near you.
  

Learn emergency skills.

Prepare so that you have critical skills:

• Learn first aid and CPR. 
• Be ready to live without power, gas, and water.
  • Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones and medical equipment. 
  • Talk to your doctor. 
  • Plan for backup power.

Gather emergency supplies.

Gather food, water, and medicine. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.

• Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
• Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies. Stores and pharmacies might be closed. Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and medical supplies or equipment. Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
• Customize your kits to meet your household’s needs and the season. Basic supplies include:
  
  

Make plans to stay safe.

Stay or go? Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or evacuate to stay safe.  If you need to go somewhere else, think through these questions:

• Where will I go?
• How will I get there?
• Where will I stay?
• What will I bring with me?
• Who can support me or my family if I need to evacuate? 

Plan to reconnect with loved ones.

If separated, or if the phone or internet is down, have a plan to communicate with loved ones. 

• Complete a contact card for each member of your household. Ensure they carry it with them.
• A text message may go through when a phone call will not.
• Designate an out-of-town contact who can help your household reconnect. It may be easier to reach people outside the affected area.
• Agree to meet in a specific place to help you reconnect with loved ones when safe.
  • If you need to leave your home, choose a specific location nearby.
  • If you need to leave your neighborhood, choose a specific location outside your community.

Plan to take care of yourself

• It’s normal to have bad feelings, stress, or anxiety after a disaster or other emergency.
• Plan to eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
•  Know that you can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.