Hurricanes are dangerous and destructive. Known also as cyclones and typhoons in other parts of the world, hurricanes cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and storm surges (high tidal waves). Learn more about hurricanes and other tropical storms so you can be prepared to keep your family safe.
Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters
Even if there’s no risk of a hurricane right now, it is important to be safe and plan ahead. Get tips on how to stock up on supplies and plan for emergencies.
Downloads:
When the Waves Swell - Hurricane Preparedness Animated Video
If a hurricane is coming, you may hear an order to evacuate (leave your home). Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a hurricane. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety.
You may also hear an order to stay at home. Sometimes, staying at home is safer than leaving.
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system.
People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.
If you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470.
Write down your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Keep this list near you always–perhaps in your purse or wallet.
Find someone nearby (a spouse, roommate, friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker) who will agree to assist you in case of an emergency. Give him or her a copy of your list. You may also want to provide a spare key to your home, or directions to find a key.
Keep aware of weather conditions through whatever means are accessible to you. Some options are closed captioning or scrolled warnings on TV, radio bulletins, or call-in weather information lines.
Disaster Safety Plans
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
Download Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
Replace expired items as needed
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Public Downloads
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Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.
Educational Materials
Download Emergency Preparedness, People with Special Needs, Ready Wrigley, Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Activities
Download People with Special Needs Preparedness Planning Steps, Activities and Videos
American Sign Language - Apply for Disaster Assistance
Seven animal heroes called the "Danger Rangers," their robot Fallbot, and their artificial intelligence called SAVO teach children about safety through examples, such as environmental hazards and unsafe places.
Episode 107: The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends...
Episode 107: The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends want to hold a secret race. Find out who wins this great race and how the Danger Rangers leap ...into action just in time to show the children the value of pedestrian street smarts.
Episode 106: Safe & Sound
The hottest new rock bands, the Decibulls,...
Episode 106: Safe & Sound
The hottest new rock bands, the Decibulls, are literally shaking up Hollywood with their dangerously loud music. When buildings start creating serious fall hazards from their ...music vibrations, the Danger Rangers must teach kids how to Play It Safe while playing it cool with music!
Episode 104: Where the Fun Never Stops
The Danger Rangers discover a...
Episode 104: Where the Fun Never Stops
The Danger Rangers discover a mysterious pattern of events causing children to play dangerously; our superheroes show children how to have fun and Play ...it Safe at the playground.
Episode 103: Fires & Liars
When two mischievous boys play with...
Episode 103: Fires & Liars
When two mischievous boys play with fireworks, the Danger Rangers must come to their rescue - and teach them how to have a Danger Proof Plan ...for a fire emergency.
Episode 110: Dog Days
Everything is "going to the dogs" at the local...
Episode 110: Dog Days
Everything is "going to the dogs" at the local pooch parade when a stray pup enters the show. The Danger Rangers team up to save the day, ...teaching kids about the dangers of dog bites and how to avoid them and Play It Safe when approaching dogs.
Episode 113: Go Games
Junior Danger Ranger Talya sets out to shoot a...
Episode 113: Go Games
Junior Danger Ranger Talya sets out to shoot a film about the Danger Rangers as they prepare for a bike, skateboard, and rollerblading competition called the "Go ...Games." Teens from all over the world come to compete, but Talya's camera lens focus in on Chancy McSpill and his sidekick Duncan, a pair who think trying every dangerous trick in the book will win the race. The Danger Rangers must race on the chase to slow Chancy down and help him learn that cheating doesn't always win. Find out how to be the real winner when you Play It Safe.
Episode 114: Kitty's Surprise Party
The Danger Rangers celebrate...
Episode 114: Kitty's Surprise Party
The Danger Rangers celebrate Kitty's birthday with a surprise party, inviting many of the children she has helped over the years. They remind everyone how to ...be Danger Ranger Ready!
Episode 115: Fallbot Forget-Me-Not
When Fallbot blows a circuit board...
Episode 115: Fallbot Forget-Me-Not
When Fallbot blows a circuit board and loses his memory, the Danger Rangers scramble to unscramble his circuits and reinstall all the safety tips he used to ...know so well. However, until Fallbot's completely reprogrammed, he's a rolling disaster waiting to happen! This episode reuses six songs from the series.
Episode 102: Water Works
When Commander Octagon builds his vast...
Episode 102: Water Works
When Commander Octagon builds his vast underwater hideout he causes the world's oceans to rise and only the Danger Rangers can save the day! Watch how ...the team of superheroes makes sure everyone is Water Safe.
Episode 112: Wet & Wild
The Danger Rangers take a cruise ship vacation....
Episode 112: Wet & Wild
The Danger Rangers take a cruise ship vacation. However, while helping a young girl overcome her fear of the water, and trying to calm down hyperactive ...funsters, the Brayski Brothers, our heroes get very little rest and relaxation. But when the Brayski's win a treasure hunt, they share their "loot" and everyone gets a great series of lessons in water safety.
Episode 116:Mission 547: Safety Rules!
The Danger Rangers each receive...
Episode 116:Mission 547: Safety Rules!
The Danger Rangers each receive their own safety assignments - covering many of the most important safety tips from the series.
Cave Save
Episode 108: Cave Save
After hearing tales of old-timer Diaz's mining...
Episode 108: Cave Save
After hearing tales of old-timer Diaz's mining adventures, some children decide to do a little mining of their own and end up loosing their way. The ...Danger Rangers are off to the rescue finding the missing children and showing them that abandoned homes and dark caves are no place to play.
Episode 107: The Great Race
Worley the Weasel and his badger friends want to hold a secret race. Find out who wins this great race and how the Danger Rangers leap ...into action just in time to show the children the value of pedestrian street smarts.