Disaster Preparedness
Disasters can change or end lives in an instant. The more communities prepare in advance, the quicker they can recover and rebuild.
In the U.S. and around the world, CWS partners with trusted local organizations to reach the most vulnerable, including immigrants and refugees, ensuring they have the support they need. In many remote areas, emergency services are often far away, leaving families to manage on their own for hours or even days after a disaster. That’s why, with our support, people are creating communication networks, setting up meeting points and making plans to check on vulnerable neighbors.
Many people are unaware that their community is at risk for natural disasters. Through our disaster risk reduction workshops and resources, we’re equipping families to prepare for emergencies and understand their potential impacts. This knowledge helps communities not only become more resilient but also ensures they know where to seek support.
The road to recovery is often long and challenging. That’s why after attention fades, CWS works to ensure that affected communities continue to receive the help they need by providing support to community long-term recovery groups. As disasters become more and more common, it is how we prepare for them that saves lives and helps us protect the safe places we call home.
Disaster Preparedness Video Series
The following series of videos were produced by CWS to provide educational information on preparing for hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes.
You can find the full suite of videos translated into English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Pashto, French and Arabic here.
Disaster Preparedness Resources
Disaster Readiness Guide - Swahili
Disaster Readiness Guide - Kinyarwanda
Disaster Readiness Guide - Haitian Creole
Disaster Readiness Guide - French
Disaster Ready Guide - English
Disaster Ready Guide - Arabic
Disaster Ready Guide - Ukrainian
Disaster Readiness Guide - Pashto
Disaster Readiness Guide - Dari
How to Prepare for Emergencies
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Ukrainian
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Swahili
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Pashto
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Kinyarwanda
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Haitian Creole
How to Prepare for Emergencies - French
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Dari
How to Prepare for Emergencies - Arabic
How to Prepare for Emergencies - English
Explore related work
Latest Updates
1,700 Buckets Bring Hope After Hurricanes
Imagine you’re living in an area reeling from the aftermath of a hurricane. You don’t have electricity or a way to contact loved ones. The food in your refrigerator has expired after a few short days, and you’re unsure where to go for the critical supplies your family needs. How would you navigate the uncertainty with limited resources and no …
Understanding Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience
In 2021, tropical cyclone Seroja struck various communities in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. CWS Indonesia and CWS Japan carried out a response to the disaster by providing supplies and shelter kits, assisting in the cleaning of wells contaminated by the disaster and engaging communities in educational sessions about maintaining hygiene post-disaster in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Indonesia. The CWS team also …
A Year of Disaster Relief, Partnership and Gratitude
Over the past year, CWS Kits and Blankets have been an important factor during disaster response. By distributing these materials, we have broken down barriers and have gotten better at understanding the communities’ needs. Through strong relationships with organizations that are already working to support communities, CWS can ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors are met. This …