Hawai’i is susceptible to many types of natural disasters. It is important to be ready. While it is impossible to plan for every emergency, there are actions you can take to be prepared for unexpected events.

First, consider that your family may not be together when disaster strikes. It is important to plan early, and decide how you will contact each other, how you will get back together if separated, and what you will do in different emergency situations.

You should also make sure your family stays up to date on their vaccines and boosters, in case you must stay in a shelter or other crowded conditions. Find vaccines and boosters in your area at HawaiiCOVID19.com.

To help you start your a family emergency plan, the Department of Health has created a guide called “Plan To Be Ready”

For more information, check out the CDC’s (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) page for planning ahead for emergencies and the American Red Cross’s page on making a family emergency plan. These and other resources below share step-by-step tips you can use now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Helpful tools

• • DOH Guide “Plan To Be Ready”
  • CDC information page on planning ahead for emergencies
  • American Red Cross family disaster planning sheet (fillable PDF)
  • American Red Cross on making a family emergency plan
  • Learn about emergency communication plans from ready.gov
  • Download a Family Emergency Plan information sheet (fillable PDF)
  • Download a Family Emergency Plan information card for kids (fillable PDF)
  • Get information on this topic in other languages:
    • “Ready in Your Language”

 Hawaii, Are YOU Ready? Make a Plan.

Last reviewed July 2023