Disaster Preparedness
When a disaster strikes, it can change or end lives in minutes. The more that we can do to prepare ahead of time, the more likely we are to survive and recover quickly.
For many remote communities, emergency services are far away. Families could be on their own for hours or days after a disaster. With our help, people are establishing warning systems and communications channels. They are building roads and bridges to evacuate the injured and bring in supplies. And they are setting meeting points and making plans to check on in especially vulnerable neighbors.
In the United States, we focus on families who may not understand how to get support or may be afraid to come forward and ask. We host workshops and share information about preparing for emergencies. And we work to make sure people have the supplies on hand that they may need.
Educational Video Series
The following series of bilingual videos was produced in collaboration between CWS, The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, and NC State Extension in an effort to assist organizations and programs with an educational tool to promote dialogue and engagement on disaster and emergency preparedness.
They are free to use and share as an educational tool for any programs, agencies, educators, and community leaders. Example uses include organizing events to show the videos, follow up with group discussion, and end with action ideas, sharing across your organization's newsletters, websites, and social media, and playing in waiting rooms.
These videos may be adopted and/or adapted, shared and reposted so long as the original branding, resources, and content is not modified.
Intro | English Narration
Intro | Spanish Narration
Disaster and Emergency alerts / alertas de desastre naturales o emergencias
Family Planning / Plan Familiar
Staying Informed / Importancia de mantenernos informados
Family Emergency Kit/ Kit de Emergencia familiar
Financial Emergency Kit / Kit de Emergencia Financiera
Latest Updates
CWS Participates in Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
Every two years, disaster management leaders and high-level political representatives from around the world gather at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. At the conference, participants share their knowledge on disaster management, disaster risks, and strategies to reduce the impact of disasters. This year CWS was represented by Dino Satria, our country representative for Indonesia, and Takeshi Komino, our …
In the Face of Disaster, a Community Comes Together
When Sabrina decided to make the dangerous journey from her home in Guatemala to the United States, she knew she would face new challenges. She had to leave behind her family and friends and establish herself in a city where the only person she knew was her older sister, Valentina. She also knew that she would face difficulties due to …
“They Remembered Us”
Around 10 p.m. on a chilly December night in Mayfield, Kentucky, 16-year-old Miguel’s phone began to go off. The words “TORNADO WARNING” lit up on his screen as loud alarms rang from his phone. Soon, the electricity and water went out and Miguel could hear the loud winds and rain outdoors. Miguel, who recently came to the United States from …