Disaster Preparedness

The following information has been provided to all program participants and is provided again on this site to assist you in "advance preparation" of a disaster. Please do not wait until a disaster strikes. It might be too late.

We are not referencing minor accidents that may occur within your unit or your neighbors' unit, i.e., water or plumbing leaks, small unit fire, electrical failure, etc. We assume your lease covers these incidents. If not, you should contact your manager or landlord.

The type of disaster we make reference to includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Major fires
  • Hazardous material incident
  • Flood or flash flood
  • Hurricane
  • Tornado
  • Severe winter storm
  • Seismic Event
  • Community-wide/city-wide power outage
  • Radiological accident
  • Civil disturbance
  • Explosion
  • Bomb threats
  • Terrorist activity
  • Hostage activity

We are concerned about your safety, protection and survival of human life. Accordingly, if you do not have a Family Disaster Plan we encourage you to develop one as soon as possible and take the steps outlined below:

  1. Contact your property manager or landlord as soon as possible and ask about their Disaster Plan.
  2. If you or a member of your household is elderly or a person with disabilities, if permitted, register them with your landlord. Please be sure to specify the type of accommodation or assistance you or the person might need in case of a disaster, e.g., transportation, medical supplies, etc.
  3. Contact your local Red Cross chapter 817-335-0137; or Tarrant County Emergency Management Office for Weather and Disaster Alerts 817-392-6170; or FEMA (1-800-621- FEMA) office, BEFORE a disaster occurs, to obtain information on what to do before, during and after a disaster--be prepared to take notes.
  4. Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
  5. Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
  6. If you have a pet ask about animal care. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
  7. If you have an elderly person or a person with disabilities in your household, find out how to help them.
  8. Meet with your family and make arrangements for a disaster and evacuation plan.
  9. Pick two places to meet:
    • Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like fire.
    • Outside of your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
  10. Ask an out of state friend or relative to be your "family contact". Everyone must know the address and telephone number. If possible, write driving directions.
  11. Make a list of emergency and business telephone numbers.
  12. Teach children how to call 9-1-1 for help.
  13. Keep all credit cards and important papers in a safe and easy to locate place (insurance, social security cards, HCV paperwork).
  14. To the extent possible, stock water and other non-perishable food items, blankets, warm clothing, batteries, flash lights, battery powered weather radio, medication, prescriptions, first-aid kit, can opener, paper plates, cups, etc.
  15. Your kit should be adjusted to suit your personal needs for 1-3 days.
  16. Do not include candles, toxic chemicals, controlled drugs or weapons in your kit.

Most importantly, if a disaster strikes, try to remain calm, patient and follow the instructions of your local officials. Remember, in a disaster, emergency services cannot get to everyone right away so try to be as prepared as possible to help yourself by following the above steps.

If you have questions you may contact your Tarrant County Housing Counselor.