Preparedness category
Emergency communications
Plan multiple ways to receive trusted alerts and reconnect when mobile service, internet, or power is disrupted.
Use this general checklist as a starting point, then follow instructions from local authorities, utilities, clinicians, and emergency services for the situation in front of you.
Prepare before a disruption
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and identify your local official warning channels.
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and backup charging method.
- Choose an out-of-area contact and write down important numbers.
- Use text messages when networks are congested, but follow emergency-service instructions for urgent help.
Make the plan usable
- Assign responsibilities and make sure every household member can find the plan and supplies.
- Account for disability, language, transportation, age, dietary, and caregiving needs.
- Review supplies and contact information periodically and replace expired or damaged items.
When conditions change
Use current information from emergency officials and service providers. A general article cannot determine whether a particular building, route, food item, water source, or medical situation is safe.
- Act on evacuation, shelter, boil-water, fire, and other official instructions promptly.
- Call emergency services for immediate danger or a medical emergency.
Important: This public education does not provide a forecast, risk score, medical judgment, or private household recommendation.
Related PREPHAUS resources
Official sources
Source links are provided for provenance and current official instructions. No publication or retrieval date is asserted here.