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We’re Ready for
Anything

You should be, too.
 
Don’t Wait for the Next Disaster

The next emergency doesn’t have a name or date, but we can be ready for whatever it brings. Now is the time to focus on keeping our families and communities safe.

Wherever Disaster Strikes…

Americares has more than 40 years of experience responding to emergencies around the world, including the deadly wildfires, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes that caused billions of dollars in damage in recent years and changed lives forever. We respond to all kinds of disasters great and small, stay to help communities recover and prepare for future emergencies. Click on the arrow and see how we respond when a hurricane hits.

Annual Emergency Responses

36

emergencies in FY22

34

countries in FY22

$22 billion

total humanitarian aid since 1979

Getting Ready for the Next Disaster:

Prepare for emergencies now, when there is time. During a disaster, you might have only minutes to make decisions. Act now so you and your family can stay safe. Download your checklists for hurricanes, extreme heat and wildfires (all three below) and get ready now.  Disasters can change everything.  And for more information on what you can do to keep your family safe visit ready.gov.   

 
 

1. Make a plan.

  • Identify meet-up locations and people you will need to contact.
  • Put the list of contacts in your wallet, on your phone and some where visible in your house.

2. Build a kit.

  • Store enough food and water for at least three days. Be sure to include the needs of pets and those with special diets.
  • Consider buying a pre-made kit if it will meet your needs.

3. Keep at least seven days of medication on hand.

  • Work with your pharmacist and insurance company to secure the extra doses.

4. Make copies of important documents.

  • You’ll need your health insurance and prescription information.
  • Keep these on your phone, in the cloud or on a USB memory stick.

5. Stay informed.

  • Learn about local hazards unique to your local geography.
  • Take courses such as CPR and First Aid.
  • Sign up for your county, city or local police alert system. An early warning can give you the minutes you need to prepare for a fast-moving disaster.
  • Learn more at ready.gov
 

Hear from Americares Emergency Programs team on the ground before and after a disaster.

Americares Emergency Responses

Americares responds to approximately 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities. Our relief workers are among the first to respond to emergencies, helping to restore health services for survivors.

The deadliest wildfires in the U.S. in more than 100 years have consumed the community of Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii. Americares has deployed an emergency team to respond to the disaster.

    Read more about the Hawaii Wildfires

    Hurricane Ian made landfall just south of Tampa, Florida on September 28, 2022, as a terrifying Category 4 hurricane with a potentially deadly storm surge. Its destructive power was historic in scale. Americares responded.

      Read More about our Ian response

      On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, August 29, Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana with 150 mph winds as a Category 4 hurricane. Americares was on the ground even before Ida made landfall.

        Read more about our response to Ida.

        In 2020, the US experienced a record number of wildfires; more than 50,000 wildfires burned 8.8 million acres, consuming more than 2 million acres beyond the 10-year average and nearly double the wildfires in 2019.

          Read more about the wildfires.

          Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana as a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds, hammering Texas and the Gulf Coast with extreme winds, heavy rains and powerful storm surge. Our Emergency Team responded as the storm came ashore.

            Read more about Hurricane Laura.

            Hurricane Fiona brought torrential rains to Puerto Rico, causing catastrophic flooding, mudslides and widespread destruction. Americares Puerto Rico team responded.

              Read more about our Fiona response.