Preparedness Information for Consumers
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![Palm trees blowing in the wind on a cloudy day, representing hurricane preparedness. Learn how you can prepare for disasters before they happen.](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/FDA/01-11-2023T15:52/https://www.fda.gov/files/styles/main_image_medium/public/hurricane-1600x900.jpg?itok=w5r09pIi)
While FDA and other agencies work hard every day to help prepare the nation for potential threats, everyone can be involved in disaster readiness. Here are a few things you can do now:
- Become familiar with disasters that might occur where you live; plans for your community, workplace or school; and what HHS is doing.
- Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency's mobile app so you can send and receive real-time alerts and notifications; locate emergency shelters and disaster centers; prepare emergency checklists, family plans and reminders; and more.
- Make and test a family plan (e.g., communicating during an emergency).
- Make an emergency kit of supplies you’ll need for at least three days, including medical products. National Preparedness Month (September) is a great time to review your kit, and rotate/replace items that may be expired.
- Participate in activities in your community.
Resources from FDA
- Hurricane Safety Checklist
- Hurricanes: Health and Safety
- Emergency Preparedness - Keeping Medications Safe (video - Feb 2016)
- Protect Food and Water During Hurricanes and Other Storms
- Natural Disaster Preparedness and Response
- Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster
- Medical Devices and Hurricane Emergencies
- FDA Offers Tips about Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters (for consumers)
- Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency
- Medical Devices Requiring Refrigeration
- Plan, Prepare and Protect Your Pet Before, During and After an Emergency (don't miss the video!)
- Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes and Floods
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Additional resources
- Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19
- The Power of Preparedness: Prepare Your Health
- How to make an emergency kit
- Create a family communication plan
- National Hurricane Center
- Public health emergency information from HHS
- Four Health and Safety Tips for Mass Gatherings
- Disaster Safety for Expecting and New Parents