Prometheus is an organization dedicated to providing support to nations across the globe as they attempt to prepare for the increasing rates and severity of natural disasters. Spreading awareness and educating communities about disasters is a big part of what we do, and we’ve long recognized the critical need for bolstered preparedness efforts in communities worldwide. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to create digestible and shareable resources through our Resource Center, driving conversations and equipping readers with the knowledge and insights to navigate the future with confidence and care. From floods and storms to earthquakes and wildfires, the impacts of these events are devastating, but they don’t have to be insurmountable.
Our mission is to lay a foundation for communities to prepare effectively, respond swiftly, and recover more resiliently. Disaster preparedness goes beyond individual efforts, though. To build strength and unity in communities, this resource features checklists for households, communities, and their leaders to prioritize preparedness at every turn. When neighbors band together, pooling resources, knowledge, and care, recovery is not only faster but also more robust.
Why Disaster Preparedness Matters
The difference between life and death following a disaster can often lie in the strength of a community’s preparedness measures. Proactive planning can safeguard lives and reduce damage, so how can we help communities prepare? By fostering collaboration and prioritizing readiness, we can work together to unite in a way that protects families and neighbors.
Household Disaster Preparedness Checklist
Disaster preparedness starts at home, often built brick by brick as individuals grow into families. By taking simple, proactive steps, you can protect your loved ones during emergencies of all kinds–not just natural disasters. From assembling an emergency kit to practicing evacuation drills, each measure can equip your household to face severe storms or disasters with confidence. Prepared families are resilient families–here’s what you can do:
Build An emergency Kit
Compile the essentials to help your household navigate potential threats and challenges following a disaster.
- Essentials: Flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, candles, matches, and a multi-tool.
- Food and Water: At least three days’ supply of non-perishable food and clean drinking water. Aim for one gallon of water per person per day.
- Medical Supplies: First-aid kit, prescription medications, and hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer.
- Critical Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance papers, property deeds, and emergency contact information should be stored in a waterproof pouch.
- Clothing and Blankets: Warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and thermal blankets.
Create a Family Evacuation Plan
Make sure it applies to common occurrences and weather events that are possibilities in your area.
- Identify safe routes and shelter locations.
- Designate meeting points in case you’re separated during evacuation.
- Practice your evacuation drills regularly to keep everyone sharp.
- Explore Habitat for Humanity’s Family Communications Plan model.
Establish a Communication Strategy
Consider how you’ll connect with loved ones and keep in touch.
- Share a family emergency contact list that includes doctors, relatives, and resources in the community.
- Pre-arrange an out-of-town relative or friend as a reliable point of contact.
- Use messaging apps with offline capabilities when networks fail.
Fortify Your Home
Reinforce weak areas and use resilient building or repair methods to maintain a strong foundation at home.
- Secure all windows, doors, and roofs with adequate seals, hinges, and fixtures.
- Trim trees and secure loose objects near your house to prevent damage from falling branches or flying debris.
- Know how to turn off utilities like electricity, gas, and water, in case you’re instructed to do so.
Stay Informed
Keep a pulse on what’s happening in your community, if possible.
- Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates.
- Subscribe to local alert systems or use apps that provide real-time warnings and updates.
- Use your communication strategies to collect updates and reach resources.
Community-Focused Disaster Preparedness Checklist
When disaster strikes, the strength of a community can make all the difference. Organizing neighborhood plans, stocking community shelters, and supporting vulnerable groups are essential steps to safeguarding the collective. By uniting in preparedness, communities can minimize damage, save lives, and recover faster, proving that we’re stronger together. Here’s a checklist that focuses on preparedness at a community level:
Organize Community Preparedness Plans
Local governments or community organizations can help bolster preparedness efforts in their areas.
- Form a disaster preparedness committee led by passionate individuals in the community.
- Conduct hazard assessments to understand risks specific to the region.
- Create a shared community map identifying shelters, medical centers, and supply depots. Share these resources with neighbors.
Build and Stock Community Shelters
Keeping adequate supplies stores is crucial to avoid being left without pressing needs.
- Ensure shelters are structurally sound and accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
- Stock emergency supplies like food, water, first aid, and communication tools. See the household checklist above for inspiration!
Strengthen Communication Networks
Ensure that connectivity isn’t lost and maximize opportunities for collaboration.
- Develop a neighborhood phone tree or emergency contact system.
- Invest in community-wide alert systems like sirens or public announcements.
Train for Emergencies
Practice makes perfect! Provide opportunities for community members to train and learn.
- Conduct first-aid and CPR training sessions.
- Hold regular disaster response drills involving the entire community.
- Make resources accessible and approachable to all.
Support Vulnerable Groups
Take care of each other–some of our neighbors need more support or different kinds of support.
- Identify elderly residents, persons with disabilities, and families with young children who may need extra assistance.
- Create a buddy system to ensure everyone is accounted for during an evacuation.
- Pay attention to your community’s needs–make attempts to remove barriers to preparedness education for all.
Protect Essential Infrastructure
Prioritize a strong foundation and protect essential resources and spaces.
- Collaborate with local governments to reinforce critical facilities like hospitals, schools, and bridges.
- Explore this Building Code Checklist for Structural Resilience from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).
- Maintain clear drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding.
Community-Focused Disaster Preparedness Checklist
Since natural disasters know no borders, preparedness is a shared global priority–or it should be! By fostering international collaboration, promoting education, and leveraging technology, we hope to work toward a more resilient world. These principles guide communities to act on a local level but also inspire global solidarity.
Collaboration Across Borders
Caring for your neighbor doesn’t just apply to individuals. Nations and regions, especially communities that share borders, can take care of each other, too.
- Share best practices for disaster management–what works, what doesn’t work, and how can neighboring nations work together?
- Work with neighboring communities to create mutual aid agreements that prioritize saving lives.
Incorporate Sustainability
Through sustainable practices, we can prioritize a more resilient future.
- Use eco-friendly materials when rebuilding infrastructure.
- Promote reforestation and conservation to reduce environmental vulnerability.
Prioritize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals from the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Education and Awareness
When the public is more informed, they can also be more prepared.
- Form a disaster preparedness committee led by passionate individuals in the community.
- Conduct hazard assessments to understand risks specific to the region.
Since natural disasters know no borders, preparedness is a shared global priority–or it should be! By fostering international collaboration, promoting education, anPreparedness saves lives and ensures a path to recovery that prioritizes everyone’s well-being. By fostering collaboration and proactive planning, we can empower families, communities, and entire nations to face these challenges head-on. d leveraging technology, we hope to work toward a more resilient world. These principles guide communities to act on a local level but also inspire global solidarity.
Disaster Preparedness: It’s Not Just About Survival
Preparedness is also about resilience and hope. Join us in making efforts to minimize the impact of severe storms and other natural disasters by educating your friends and neighbors. The world’s diverse regions may face unique challenges, but the spirit of preparedness truly connects us all. By acting today, we can create a safer tomorrow, and together, we can build a world where communities thrive in the face of adversity.
