Emergencies affect hundreds of people every year. When emergencies occur, military and civilian organizations respond, but it takes time to mobilize, and they focus on the most critical needs first.
Failure to prepare can put yourself, your Family and your property in jeopardy! It’s up to you.
Four Steps to Ready Army
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About various hazards and what to do before, during, and after an incident or event. Report your status during a disaster at Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS)
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For yourself and your family to know where to go, what to do, who to contact, and what to take when faced with an emergency.
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Volunteer services, and training helps to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters.
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For your home, office, and vehicle that will sustain you for at least 72 hours.
Ready Army Program
Ready Army is the U.S. Army’s official emergency preparedness program—providing trusted tools, resources, and guidance to help Soldiers, families, and civilians prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of disasters. Aligned with national agencies like U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ready.gov website, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Ready Army strengthens operational readiness and community resilience across the force. It is designed to be used in conjunction with local emergency management plans, ensuring a coordinated and informed approach to preparedness. Ready Army is not a location to report emergencies, but rather a proactive resource to help communities stay informed and ready before disaster strikes.
BE INFORMED
Hazards can happen anywhere at any time. It is important to give consider local area hazards, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, or earthquakes. Living abroad presents additional challenges like volcanic eruption and tsunami. Regardless of the situation, having an emergency family plan is useful.
Be Part of the Solution
No matter where you are when emergency strikes.
- Leave emergency response to professionals.
- Do not put yourself in danger.
- Enable responders to focus on the most critical needs first.
- Remain flexible and cooperative.
- Stay alert for instructions.
- Take care of yourself and your Family; help neighbors and visitors if you can.
- Every step you take to prepare yourself and your family strengthens the community.
- Consider getting involved by taking first aid training or becoming certified first responder.
Notification, Reporting and Information
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All U.S. and non-U.S. military, civilian (all categories) and contractor personnel whose normal place of duty is on an Army garrison, installation, community, forward site and/or facility must register in Alert!
Alert! Mass Warning Notification System, (CAC required) or MWNS, sends registered users emergency warnings and other critical information, such as hazardous road conditions, reporting delays, and base closures due to severe weather. The notifications are mostly local, but may also be theater-wide.
The system notifies users in several ways: as a pop-up on their workstation computer, an email to work and home addresses, a text message to their cell phone, and a voicemail to their work, home and cell phones.
Keep your information up to date. If you move to a new office or get a new personal cell number, make sure to go into Alert! and provide your current information. Alert! is effective in reaching community members with critical messages in real time, but its success depends on users’ input.
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After an emergency (major natural disaster or man-made event), all Army-affiliated personnel should report their status as soon as possible. If internet is available, report through the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPASS) Website.
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Safe and effective evacuation requires planning, there may be no advance warning. You should plan primary and alternate evacuation routes in advance, with appropriate maps to take along in your emergency supply kit.
- Moving to Designated Safe Havens: A local safe haven is a facility on the installation that provides temporary protection during earthquakes and tsunamis. While remote safe haven is geographically distant installation or facility that provides short-medium term lodging of personnel during incidents such as hurricanes and extended wildfires.
- Sheltering-in-Place: In some instances, evacuating is more dangerous than remaining on place. When short or surprising event, you may be directed to shelter-in-place, or to take temporary protection on structures or vehicles, usually at workplace or residence.
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Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) are conducted to assist the Department of State (DOS) in evacuating US citizens, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel, designated host nation (HN) and third country nationals (TCNs) whose lives are in danger from locations in a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven.
- Ensure all emergency numbers (local and installation) are in your emergency plan.
- If you live off base, plan for local specific guidance throughout emergencies. Prepare for losing access to installations and use of local and alternative options. Have a contact person in country, but in a different location, for emergency support.
Be familiar with U.S. Department of State resources for Americans traveling abroad at https://www.state.gov/travelers/.
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- Mass Warning Systems: Each community is responsible for warning of impending danger during an emergency. Army installations support use mass warning and notification systems while overseas, should depend on local authorities. In the US, agencies that warn of natural hazards are National Weather Service (NWS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
- Warning - A hazardous event is occurring or imminent. Take immediate protective action
- Watch - Conditions are favorable for a hazard to develop. Stay alert.
- Evacuation: Installation Emergency Management organizations have plans and procedures to direct evacuation of personnel and family members during evacuations. Be sure to obtain a copy of your evacuation plan and be familiar with your surroundings.
Hazard Awareness
Maintaining readiness requires a thorough understanding of potential hazards, both natural and manmade. This section provides access to comprehensive hazard sheets designed to inform Soldiers, Civilians, Contractors and Family members. From naturally occurring threats like earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires, to manmade risks such as CBRN incidents, active shooter situations, and infrastructure failures, these resources offer critical information on hazard characteristics, potential impacts, and recommended mitigation strategies.
Browse the available hazard sheets below and remember to be informed, make a plan, get involved and build a kit.
Weather and Natural Hazards
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Drought is a natural phenomenon characterized by a prolonged period of below-average rainfall or precipitation, leading to insufficient water availability. Extended droughts can present significant risks to individual and family well-being, particularly regarding hydration and overall health. Awareness of drought conditions and proactive water conservation measures are crucial for mitigating potential impacts.
Additional Information:
Drought Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 152 KB]
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Earthquakes are sudden, rolling or shaking events resulting from movement beneath the Earth’s surface. These events typically occur along geological fractures known as fault lines and, while often brief, can be felt across wide area.
Earthquakes are unpredictable. They can happen with little to no warning, in many locations, and at any time. Therefore, preparedness for you and your family is essential.
Additional Information:
Earthquake Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 128.1 KB]
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Flooding represents the most frequent natural disaster and poses a threat across all geographic locations. The scope of a flood event can range from localized impacts – affecting a single neighborhood – to widespread disasters impacting entire cities, states, or territories.
While some floods develop gradually over days, allowing for preparation, flash floods are particularly dangerous as they can occur within minutes. Flash floods are often triggered by intense rainfall but can also result from structural failures such as levee breach or dam failures.
It is critical to remember that floodwaters, especially during flash flood events, can be deceptively deep and powerful. These waters are highly destructive and often carry dangerous debris, including rocks and mud.
Additional Information:
Flood Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 175.1 KB]
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A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather lasting for at least two to three consecutive days. It’s characterized by temperatures significantly higher than average for a given region and time of year and often accompanied by high humidity. This combination makes it feel even hotter and hinders the body’s natural cooling process.
Heat waves aren’t defined by a specific Temperature; rather, they are determined relative to the typical climate of an area. They can pose significant risks to human health, leading to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and exacerbation of existing medical conditions, and can also strain infrastructure and contribute to environmental problems like drought.
Additional Information:
Heat Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 167 KB]
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Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone with the potential for catastrophic damage to coastal areas and significant impacts hundreds of miles inland. These powerful storms generate violent thunderstorms, sustained winds exceeding 155 mph, and can spawn tornadoes.
Beyond the immediate storm, secondary hazards such as power outages and widespread flooding pose a threat, even to those outside the hurricane’s direct path. Hurricanes inflict extensive damage through a combination of destructive winds and high floodwaters resulting from heavy rainfall and storm surge.
Additional Information:
Hurricane Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 166.1 KB]
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Landslides are characterized by the downslope movement of rock, dirt, and other debris. Often referred to as debris flows or mudslides – particularly when water plays a significant role in channelized movement – these events are triggered by a variety of factors. These causes range from natural events like heavy rainfall, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and freeze-thaw cycles, to environmental processes such as erosion, and even human activities like construction and land modification.
Due to this diverse range of contributing factors, landslides can vary greatly in size, speed, and overall destructive potential. Consequently, a thorough understanding of these elements is critical for effective risk assessment.
Additional Information:
Landslide Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 175.7 KB]
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Tornadoes are the most violent of natural hazards, characterized by rotating, funnel-shaped clouds originating from thunderstorms. Their destructive power stems from extremely high wind speeds, potentially reaching 300 mph, and a damage path that can extend a mile wide.
While tornado season typically runs from March through August, these events can occur year-round. They most frequently develop at the rear of thunderstorms, with the majority occurring between noon and midnight.
Although certain regions are more susceptible, tornadoes can happen anywhere. Therefore, proactive preparedness is crucial. This includes assembling an emergency supply kit and developing a comprehensive family emergency plan.
Additional Information:
Tornado Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 111.3 KB]
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Tsunamis are a series of waves most often caused by undersea earthquakes or landslides. These waves can travel at speeds exceeding hundreds of miles per hour and reach heights of 10 to 100 feet.
Even relatively small tsunamis pose a significant destructive threat. Coastal areas and those less than 25 feet above sea level are particularly vulnerable to tsunami effects.
Additional Information:
Tsunami Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 123.1 KB]
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Volcanic eruptions present a wide range of hazards extending far beyond the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Eruptions release molten lava, hazardous gases, and ballistic projectiles (rocks) that can travel considerable distances. Volcanic ash and acid rain can impact areas hundreds of miles downwind.
Beyond these direct effects, eruptions frequently trigger secondary hazards including landslides, mudflows, flash floods, earthquakes, and even tsunamis. Structures are highly vulnerable to destruction, and personal safety is at significant risk.
Additional Information:
Volcano Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 163.6 KB]
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Wildfires are unpredictable and can escalate rapidly, posing a significant threat to individuals and communities – particularly those in dry, wooded areas. Due to their shift and unexpected nature, it’s crucial to prepare for wildfire scenarios, as you may not receive warning before being directly impacted.
Being prepared isn’t just about protecting property; it’s about safeguarding your family and ensuring their well-being in a potentially dangerous situation. Wildfires are incredibly destructive and demand a preparedness mindset to mitigate risk and ensure a swift, effective response.
Additional Information:
Wildfire Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 185.8 KB]
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Winter storms present a serious threat due to a combination of intense cold and heavy snowfall. These conditions are hazardous to all populations, regardless of typical winter weather experience. Heavy snowfall significantly reduces visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions and potentially trapping individuals indoors. Furthermore, winter storms often involve additional hazards such as high winds, sleet, freezing rain, icy roadways, power outages, and life-threatening cold temperatures.
Additional Information:
Winter Storm Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 177 KB]
Technological Hazards
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Chemicals are integral to daily life, enhancing quality of life in homes and communities. However, exposure to hazardous chemicals – whether through accidental releases or large-scale emergencies – can pose significant risks.
Additional Information:
Chemical Emergencies Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 209.2 KB]
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Dam failures or levee breaches present a significant hazard, often occurring rapidly and with limited warning. These events can result in severe flash flooding, causing substantial property damage and potential loss of life.
Additional Information:
Dam Failure Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 171 KB]
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Nuclear power plants operate under stringent safety standards, with multiple redundant systems and continuous regulatory oversight. However, despite these measures, accidents are possible. A nuclear emergency could release dangerous levels of radiation, particularly within a 10-mile radius of the plant – an area inhabited by approximately 3 million Americans. Radiation exposure poses significant health risks and can contaminate water and soil up to 50 miles away.
Additional Information:
Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 218 KB]
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Power outages represent a significant disruption to daily life, occurring unexpectedly due to a variety of factors ranging from severe weather events and equipment failures to grid stress during peak demand.
The loss of electricity cascades into a series of potential challenges, immediately impacting essential services and infrastructure.
Critical systems like water treatment and distribution can be compromised, leading to shortages of potable water. Refrigeration fails, resulting in food spoilage and potential health risks. Furthermore, maintaining a safe and comfortable indoor environment becomes difficult, with heating and cooling systems rendered inoperable, exposing individuals to extreme temperatures. Given the potential for widespread and prolonged disruptions, proactive preparation for extended outages is paramount. This includes securing adequate supplies of food and water, developing contingency plans for maintaining personal comfort and safety, and ensuring access to alternative communication methods. Recognizing the potential severity of a power outage and preparing accordingly can significantly mitigate its impact and enhance resilience.
Additional Information:
Power Outage Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 192.6 KB]
Emergency Action
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To prepare your family for an emergency, assemble one or more emergency kits that include enough supplies for at least three days. Think of items that have multiple uses and are long lasting. Keep a kit prepared at home and consider also having kits in your car, at work, and a portable version in your home ready to take with you. These kits will enable you and your family to respond to an emergency more quickly. Your emergency kits will be useful whether you have to shelter in place or evacuate.
Additional Information:
Emergency Kit Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 106.1 KB]
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In emergencies, regional and installation emergency management organizations implement established plans and procedures to facilitate the safe evacuation or movement of personnel and their families to designated safe havens or civilian shelters. These procedures ensure timely warnings for individuals on the installation. For overseas installations, additional protocols are in place to assist personnel off-base, particularly in areas where local governments may lack the necessary capabilities.
When circumstances allow, the preferred course of action for nonessential and nonemergency personnel is evacuation. This process directs those at risk to leave the affected area via designated routes and transportation methods.
Additional Information:
Evacuation Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 98.2 KB]
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As you plan ahead for an emergency, it is important that you discuss potential hazards with your children. Make sure they understand what might happen and what actions they can take during an emergency. Emergencies are scary situations, but by preparing your children for them, you can reduce their fear and stress during an actual emergency.
In a disaster, children will look to you and other adults for help as how you react to an emergency gives them clues on how to act. If you react with alarm, your child may become more scared.
They see your fear as proof that the danger is real. If you seem overcome with a sense of loss, your child may feel their losses more strongly.
Feelings of fear are healthy and natural for both adults and children. But as an adult, you need to keep control of the situation. When you are sure that danger has passed, concentrate on your child's emotional needs by asking them how they are feeling about what happened. Having children participate in the family's recovery activities will help them feel that their life will soon return to "normal." Your response during this time may have a lasting impact.
Additional Information:
Kids Plan Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 135 KB]
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When preparing for an emergency, be sure to includearrangements for your pets. Your emergency kit should contain provisions including food and water for your pets. Know in advance how you will handle your pets if you need to evacuate. If you must leave them behind, make sure they have access to food, water and shelter. Be familiar with your local and state’s procedures for pets during an emergency.
Additional Information:
Pets Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 118.9 KB]
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It is important to take precautions to protect your property before an emergency situation arises.There are a few thingsyou may want to considerto ensure that your property survives an emergency in the best condition possible.
Along with practical steps like securing your home and safeguarding valuables, it’s worth reviewing your homeowners or renters insurance policy to make sure you have the appropriate coverage to potential risks. Having the right insurance in place can help you recover faster and reduce financial stress if your property is damaged. By combining good preparation with proper coverage, you give your home, and yourself, the best chance of getting through an emergency.
Additional Information:
Property Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 174 KB]
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Taking time now to safeguard these critical documents will give you peace of mind, ensure you have access to essential medical and prescription information, and help you avoid additional stress during the difficult days following a disaster.
Gather your personal and financial documents. Use the checklist below as a guide to help you gather and organize your valuable documents. Put copies of your documents in a waterproof, portable emergency supply kit. Store all original documents, photographs and computer USB and external hard drives in an off-site safety deposit box. Be sure to keep this key in a secure place.
Additional Information:
Records Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 122.8 KB]
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In the event of an emergency, Army regional and installation emergency management organizations have plans and procedures to direct evacuation.
When time permits, the preferred protective strategy for nonessential and nonemergency personnel is evacuation to a civilian shelter, remote safe haven or designated place outside the danger area. In emergencies with only a short to moderate warning time, installation authorities may direct people to one or more designated safe havens, which may be on the installation or another DOD installation or facility.
Additional Information:
Safe Haven Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 116.5 KB]
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A shelter is a publicly identified, certified, supplied, staffed and insured mass care facility where endangered peoplecan find temporary protection for a limitedtime. Army regionsand installations do not develop, maintain and operate certified shelters. Instead, regions and installations coordinate shelter needs with appropriate state, local, host-nation and private agencies. The American Red Cross is the principal U.S. resource for development, management and operation of certified shelters.
Additional Information:
Shelter Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 129.9 KB]
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Sheltering-in-place means to take temporary protection in a structure or vehicle— typically your workplace or residence—that is not certified, insured or staffed for emergency conditions. Installation procedures designate which responsible party or office will orderpersonnel to shelter-in-place and for how long the order is expected to be in effect. Remember, preparing your residence is your own responsibility.
Additional Information:
Shelter in Place Fact Sheet.pdf [PDF - 162.1 KB]
MAKE A PLAN
A comprehensive, written emergency plan is essential for preparing your family for a wide range of potential hazards. This plan should align with guidance from your chain of command, local authorities, and state regulations. Ensure all family members understand the plan’s components – including roles, procedures, and designated locations – to facilitate a coordinated and effective response during an emergency.
Your plan should specifically address the following considerations:
- Personnel: Account for all family members, including those with special needs such as very young children, individuals who are wounded, ill, or injured, and elderly relatives.
- Critical Information & Assets: Identify procedures for securing and protecting essential items including important personal files, financial records, and valuable property.
- Pet Care: Include provisions for the safety and well-being of family pets.
Developing and practicing this plan will enhance your family’s resilience and ability to respond effectively to any emergency situation.
Make a Plan:
- Printer friendly plan template [PDF - 74 KB]
Plan Basics, think 5 W’S
- Who: Gather input from members of your household, to consider possibilities when an emergency happens. Choose a contact person, a close family or friend whom you can all contact in the case of an event.
- What: Plan for hazards that could affect your household. Consider possible scenarios and determine your household response.
- Where: Think about places you and your family visit throughout the day. Establish meeting places and discuss how to use them.
- When: Review the plan annually or there are major changes in situations, schedule or activities.
- Why: By having an emergency plan, you and your household can be better prepared for emergency situations.
Practice Your Plan:
You should practice your emergency plan at least twice a year, create scenarios and review responses with family.
Practice gathering steps and discuss the results.
Exceptional Family Members
Every Family is unique and our life circumstances can change. Be sure to update your emergency plans and kits to reflect your current needs, even if the change is temporary.
Remember that people with disabilities must take a proactive approach to ensure that their safety needs are included in all emergency planning. Those with physical disabilities can have complications during emergency evacuations. Those with visual, hearing or mental disabilities may have difficulty leaving familiar surroundings. Others with medical conditions may be dependent on devices or medications that need to travel with them.
- Make a written emergency plan.
- Discuss the exceptional family member’s need with neighbors and co-workers.
- Know of a medical facilities that provides the services the exceptional family member may need.
- Have a list with the types and models of any equipment or devices needed.
- Make sure those around you know how to operate any necessary equipment.
- Do not assume that you or your loved one has been factored into an evacuation plan.
- Study the evacuation plan of any location from which you might evacuate and location of Evacuation Chair.
- Prepare any instructions you need to give rescuers. Use concise directions.
GET INVOLVED
There are many ways you can get involved to build a resilient Army Community. Everyone plays a role in preparedness.
Everyone should prepare using Army Ready tenets: be informed, plan, build a kit, and get involved.
Learn, Volunteer, or Donate
Volunteer services, and training helps to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters.
Preparing your community
Individuals with preparedness in min can make a difference in their community. Personal preparedness research indicates that individuals often are not as prepared as they think and most admit they do not plan at all. There are local organizations that host community-planning meetings, providing volunteer opportunities, and are available to respond to disasters.
Nationwide Volunteer Opportunities
- Nation's first line of defense against severe weather - NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Skywarn Spotter.
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) via FEMA. Trains in basic disaster and emergency response, such as fire safety, search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.
- American Red Cross opportunities like Disaster Action Team (DAT), Deployment Volunteer National Disaster Response, Blood Donor Ambassador, or Blood Transportation Specialist.
- Medical Reserve Corps mobilizes medical, public health professionals and volunteers to respond to health emergencies in support of public health initiatives.
- Volunteer to support local fire and emergency departments with non-operational tasks Fire Corps.
- Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF).
- Meals on Wheels Association of America provides meals and services for adults over 60 and mobility issues in the U.S. each day.
BUILD A KIT
To prepare for emergencies, get one or more emergency kits, with essentials for three days.
You can build a kit selecting items to buy each time you go shopping. You may already have some items around the house, or gather new ones. Having all your supplies in a single location in your house that everyone, can locate means you will have what you need, when you need it.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BASIC HOME KIT
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- Water (one gallon per person per day).
- Food (nonperishable food for everyone in the household).
- Manual can opener.
- First aid kit.
- Prescription medications (up to 3 days).
- Dust masks, cotton shirts and N95 respirators.
- Personal sanitation items like moist towelettes (one container per 2 people in the household), garbage bags, disinfectant and plastic ties.
- Flashlight, one for every two people in the household.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Extra batteries for flashlights, radios, and kit items.
- Money (minimum $100, in local currency on small denomination bills).
- Wrench or pliers for turning off utilities.
- Local maps and your emergency plan.
- Your command personnel accountability point of contact information.
- Important personal and financial documents, printed copies or electronic copies on thumb drives or stored in waterproof containers.
- Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System: 1-800-833-6622.
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- Infant formula and diapers (for 3 days).
- Food and water for your pet (for 3 days).
- Paper plates, paper cups, plastic utensils, paper towels and matches on a waterproof container.
- Sturdy shoes, hats and gloves (seasonal).
- Sleeping bag and weather-appropriate items for each person.
- Fire extinguisher, and whistle.
- Paper, pencil, books, games, puzzles, toys, and other activities for household.
- Supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.
- Items for special needs individuals, such as wheelchair batteries or medical equipment or supplies.
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- Make sure to constantly evaluate your kit and any changes to your environment.
- Throw away and replace expired or damaged medications, food, or water.