When disaster strikes it can be overwhelming. The worsening climate crisis contributes to the frequency and severity of weather events. Do you know what to do before, during, and after an emergency to keep people, pets, and property safe? Below is a guide to resources on how to make a plan and to help you recover.

Plan Ahead

Are you prepared for extreme heat, severe weather, flooding, or other emergencies? When preparing for an emergency, consider the potential impact on people, pets, and property. Always prioritize human safety, followed by pets, and then property.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) provides a four-step guide for creating a plan tailored to your specific needs. You can also sign up for emergency alerts and download the FEMA App.

Preparing Your Home For Severe Weather

Here are some simple steps to prepare your home for severe weather.

Make sure your insurance is up to date.
Make sure your emergency Plan and Communication Plan is up to date.
Know how to shut off the gas.
Know how to shut off the water.
Know where your electric circuit box is and how it works. Label the switches if not already labeled.
Have fire extinguishers ready and check to make sure they have not expired.
Cut back tree branches that hang over the roof.
Check your foundation and drainage around your home.
Check your roof for broken shingles, cracked caulk, rust spots, decay, or leaks.
Seal any exterior gaps and cracks where water may penetrate.
Secure outdoor objects that are not anchored to the ground.
Clean gutters and make sure they are operable.
Insulate around doors and windows with caulking or weather striping.
Make sure your chimney is clean and operable before using your fireplace.
Gather your important documents and ensure they are stored in a waterproof container.
Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and none of the items are expired.
Stock up on ready-made food such as canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and meat; also bread, and dry cereal. You can also opt for minimal-prep food like rice, beans, pasta, oats, and sauces. If you have an infant, make sure to have diapers, wipes, baby food or formula, and bottles. For pets, have pet food and extra water.
Have enough water for three days - at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Stock up on essential supplies such as toilet paper, garbage bags, paper towels, soap, plates and cups, a flashlight, a toolkit, rain gear, blankets, plastic sheeting or tarps, rope, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, matches, and cash.
Check on neighbors and loved ones to ensure they are ready for severe weather.

Download PDF - Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather

Personal Safety After A Disaster

Your safety is the top priority during and after a disaster or emergency. Always follow the instructions of Emergency Responders.

If you or a loved one will need assistance during an emergency, you can register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) or dial 2-1-1 to communicate with a representative. The registry allows local emergency management and first responders to be aware of your specific needs during an emergency.

Below are additional resources for protecting your physical and mental health after a disaster.

NIH - Protecting Yourself While Removing Post-Disaster Debris from Your Home or Business (pdf)

NIH - Cómo protegerse al eliminar escombros luego de un desastre en su hogar o empresa (pdf)

CDC – Responding to Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather (website)

CDC – Guidelines for Cleaning Safety After a Disaster (website)

CDC – What to Do to Prevent Getting Hurt or Sick After a Disaster (website)

CDC – Emergency Preparedness and Response (website)

CDC – Taking Care of Your Emotional Health (website)

CDC - Cómo sobrellevar los desastres o eventos traumáticos (website)

CDC – Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event (pdf)

CDC - Cómo cuidarse y cuidar a su familia después de un desastre (pdf)

CDC – Helping Children Cope with Emergencies (website)

CDC - Cómo ayudar a los niños a sobrellevar las emergencias (website)

CDC – Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens (website)

Download PDF - Personal Safety After A Disaster

How To Salvage Water-Damaged Valuables & Family Treasures

If your family treasures have been damaged by water, the resources below may help you save them. Even photographs that are stuck together may be salvaged. The resources below demonstrate safe techniques for salvaging photographs, books, furniture, and textiles. Not everything can be saved, but it may not be a total loss.

FEMA Fact Sheet – Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms (pdf)

Smithsonian – Save Your Family Treasures Workshop (video)

Galveston Historical Foundation - Photographs (video)

Galveston Historical Foundation - Books (video)

Galveston Historical Foundation - Furniture (video)

Galveston Historical Foundation - Textiles (video)

AMIA Disaster Recovery – First Actions for Film, Tape, and Discs (pdf)

AMIA Disaster Recovery - Films in Flooded Areas (pdf)

AIC – Water Damage (video)

Download PDF - Salvage After A Disaster

How To Address Water Damage To Buildings

If your home has been damaged by a flood, it can be difficult to know where and how to begin the recovery process. The resources below can help you with cleanup and repair. They also address the unique challenges faced by older and historic homes.

American Red Cross – Disaster Cleanup & Repair for your Home

FEMA – Returning Home After a Flood

National Trust for Historic Places - Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings (website)

National Trust for Historic Places - 10 Tips for Bringing Historic Properties Back from a Flood (website)

FEMA - General Guidelines on Historic Properties in Recovery (pdf)

Download PDF - Salvage After A Disaster

How to Salvage Fire-Damaged Buildings And Family Treasures

After a fire, you may have damage from the flames, smoke, soot, and even water. This can make recovery seem impossible, but a lot can be done to repair your home and save your family's valuables. The resources below primarily address historic structures, but the steps are the same for any property damaged by fire and its byproducts.

FEMA Fact Sheet - After the Fire: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures (pdf)

Heritage Preservation - Saving Damaged Family Treasures after a Fire (website)

National Trust for Historic Places – Fire Safety in Historic Buildings (pdf)

Chicora Foundation- Fire (website)

Download PDF - Salvage After A Disaster

Professional Assistance

Conservators can provide advice and professional services when a valuable or important item is badly damaged. The American Institute for Conservation offers an online search to help you find a conservator. Be sure to check out their guide on Hiring a Professional Conservator.

The Heritage Emergency National Task Force also offered 24-hour disaster assistance.