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
Turning Passion into Meaningful Action
For the last few years, Daniela Archibold has worked alongside immigrant communities in North Carolina as our Migrant Emergency Services Manager. Daniela describes herself as a “very passionate person” and told us, “ever since I can remember, I wanted to in some way help individuals. This job gives me the opportunity to create change at small scales and hopefully, in …
A New Era of Inclusive Disaster Response
A natural disaster is a devastating and terrifying event for those affected. As communities work to rebuild, they must undergo a long and complicated recovery process. This process can be even more difficult for some immigrant and refugee families, especially those who don’t speak English. At CWS we are committed to understanding the needs of immigrant communities and ensuring that …
The Bahamas Respond to Disaster Through Mental Health Support
After more than two years since Hurricane Dorian in 2019, The Bahamas are working to recover while also coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. To help these communities, the Bahamas Psychological Association (BPA) is partnering with CWS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide mental health support and disaster relief services. BPA is providing this support and resources to …