Emergencies and Safety
In the United States, call 9-1-1 to report an emergency such as a fire, a crime in progress, or a person in need of medical help. If someone swallows a poisonous substance, you can also call 1-800-222-1222 to reach a local poison control center.
Knowing what to do in an emergency will help you be prepared.
The links below provide information to help you prepare for an emergency.
Resources for Victims of Crime
The U.S. Department of Justice provides publications on how to help victims of crimes and other emergencies. This site is also available in Spanish.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides links to information on preparing for disasters.
Health-Related Emergency Preparedness
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and resources on preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. This site is available in Spanish.
Learn How to Shelter in Place
The CDC also provides information on how to prepare your home and office in case you need to shelter in place.
Learn About Fire Safety
The U.S. Fire Administration provides information to ensure you and your family are safe from fires. Visit this link to learn about installing a smoke alarm in your home.
Emergency Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers (PDF)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides this publication for older adults and their caregivers to help them prepare for an emergency.
Environmental Emergencies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information and resources on environmental emergencies and how to report harmful environmental activities in your community or workplace. This site is also available in Spanish.
The U.S. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The U.S. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in certain areas. This site has information about preparing for floods and obtaining flood insurance if you live in a community that is part of the NFIP.
Planning in advance for an emergency is everyone's responsibility. The federal government provides sample emergency plans and other tips to help you prepare for a potential emergency.
The links below provide information to help you ensure your home and family are prepared in case of an emergency.
Prepare Yourself for Emergencies
Ready.gov asks individuals to do three things to prepare for an emergency: (1) build an emergency supply kit, (2) make a family emergency plan, and (3) be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses. Visit this site or share these (PDF, 300.03 KB) posters (PDF, 181.71 KB) to learn more about how you can accomplish these tasks.
Disaster Planning and Preparation Resources
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information and resources to help you plan and prepare for disasters that could happen in your area and reduce the damage in areas where disasters have occurred. This site is available in multiple languages.
Publications on Disasters and Emergency Planning
USA.gov offers publications on disasters and emergency planning, including tips, guides, and checklists to make sure you are prepared for an emergency.
More Disaster Planning and Preparation Resources
The American Red Cross provides information on many types of emergencies and how to plan and prepare for each. This site is also available in Spanish.
Resources for Workers and Employers on Preparing for an Emergency
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides information for workers and employers on preparing for and managing emergency incidents.
Tips for Being Safe
The National Safety Council is a nonprofit public service organization that works to prevent injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities, and on the road. This site has information on hazardous situations and how to prevent and respond to them.