Prepare

Recovering

Getting Help

During and after a disaster, you'll want to learn about the scope of the disaster; and find out where you can get emergency first aid, shelter, food, clothing, and financial aid. If the disaster is limited in scope, you should be able to get information from your radio, TV, telephone, or computer. For major disasters, you may need an emergency or shortwave radio.

Recommendations from the FCC and FEMA

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) have created the following guidelines you can use to reach emergency services during and after a disaster.
  • Tune into broadcast television and radio for important news alerts. Make sure you have a battery-powered radio or television available (with spare batteries). [Hand-crank radios are also available.]
  • Subscribe to text alert services from your local or state government to receive alerts in the event of a disaster. Parents can sign up for their school district emergency alert system.
  • Call 9-1-1 of you have a life-threatening emergency. (Texting 9-1-1 is not currently available.) If your area offers 3-1-1 service or another information system, you can call that number for non-emergencies.
  • To avoid tying up voice networks, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your cell phone for non-emergency communications. If you must use a voice call, try to keep your message brief by providing only the most essential information.
  • You can use social media to inform your family and friends about your status. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, you can use resources such as the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well program.
  • If you must use the phone to make a voice call, try to be brief. If you're unable to complete a call using your cell phone, wait ten seconds before redialing.
  • You can conserve your cell phone battery by reducing your screen's resolution, using airplane mode, and closing any apps you are not using. If you lose power, you can charge your cell phone in your car (outside of the garage) after any danger has passed.
  • Immediately after a disaster, you'll still need to hold off using your mobile device to watch streaming videos, download music or videos, or play video games. These actions can add to network congestion and interfere with potentially life-saving emergency calls.

Disaster Tips

The following websites provide detailed disaster advice, information, and resources:
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