Emergency Preparedness 101 (Refresher)

Posted by Sarah Levin-Lederer on July 10th, 2025 Posted in: Blog
Tags: Emergency Preparedness (EPP), resources

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Posts highlighting resources for Emergency Preparedness aren’t new on the R7 blog, but it’s been a while since we’ve had a round-up and reminder of what’s available whether your just starting, looking to update your plans or kits, looking to get involved or just want to see what’s new.

All of this information can feel overwhelming, but anything you do to prepare can be beneficial in an emergency. Start small today and build with the resources below.

Preparedness

Regardless of the kind of emergency you might face, there are steps you can take to be ready:

• Disaster Preparation and Recovery (MedlinePlus), Preparativos y recuperación ante un desastre (MedlinePlus español)
• Build a Kit (ready.gov)
• Make a Plan (ready.gov)

Learn about the different kinds of emergencies that happen in your area, the unique challenges they pose, and how to respond:

• Floods (MedlinePlus), Inundaciones (MedlinePlus español)
• Winter Weather Emergencies (MedlinePlus), Emergencias causadas por el invierno (MedlinePlus español)
• Heat Illness (MedlinePlus), Enfermedades causadas por el calor (MedlinePlus español)

Some emergencies happen closer to home. Learn how to handle:

• Home Fires (ready.gov)
• Home Safety (ready.gov)
• Household Chemical Emergencies (ready.gov)

Response

Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Learn emergency terms to know what to expect and what’s expected.

Get involved to receive training and help respond to emergencies in your community:

• Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
• Red Cross
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Recovery

Hazards persist even after the immediate danger has passed. Learn how to stay safe during the recovery phase.

• Guidelines for Cleaning Safely after a Disaster (CDC)
• Keep Food Safe after a Disaster or Emergency (CDC)
• Generator Safety Tips (Red Cross)

Disasters and emergencies can also affect your mental health. Coping can be part of recovery too.

• Coping with Disasters (MedlinePlus), Enfrentarse con desastres (MedlinePlus español)
• Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters (SAMHSA)

Preparedness for Unique Situations

• Ready Kids (ready.gov)—Age appropriate preparedness resources help kids feel included and like they can make a difference in an emergency.
• Ready Campus (ready.gov)
• Ready Business (ready.gov)
• Preparedness for Pets (ready.gov)
• Ready in Your Language (ready.gov) for resources in languages other than English

Check out the NNLM Emergency and Disaster Resource Guide for additional resources and training opportunities.