What to Do During the First 24 Hours After a Major Disaster

A major disaster can turn an ordinary day into a confusing, stressful situation in seconds. An earthquake, tornado, wildfire, flood, or severe storm can damage homes, interrupt electricity and water service, close roads, and make it difficult to contact family members.

In those first moments, you may not know how serious the situation is, how long services will be interrupted, or what you should do next.

That's why it helps to have a plan before you need one.

The first 24 hours after a major disaster are about protecting lives, addressing immediate needs, gathering reliable information, and making thoughtful decisions about what comes next. You don't need to solve every problem immediately. You need to work through the most important priorities in the right order.

This guide walks you through what to do during the first day after a disaster, whether you're at home, at work, at school, or away from your family when it happens.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority is life safety.

Before worrying about supplies, damaged property, or cleanup, check yourself and the people around you for injuries and immediate dangers.

Check for injuries

Look for serious bleeding, breathing problems, signs of shock, or other urgent medical concerns.

Call 911 or your local emergency number when emergency services are needed and available. Follow the dispatcher's instructions.

If someone has a life-threatening injury, provide first aid within your training while waiting for professional help. If you know how to control severe bleeding or perform CPR, use those skills when appropriate.

Avoid moving someone with a suspected serious head, neck, or spinal injury unless remaining where they are presents an immediate danger.

If emergency services cannot reach you immediately, use your training and available supplies to address urgent needs while continuing to seek help through available communication channels.

Recommended resources:

• FREE 1 hour long Stop the Bleed Classes can be found near you at stopthebleed.com -- Training locator
• The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help is NOT on the Way - (my affiliate Amazon link to an emergency medical book I love)

Watch for immediate hazards

Depending on the disaster, dangers may include:

• Fire, smoke, or damaged electrical equipment
• The smell or sound of escaping natural gas
• Structural damage, falling debris, or unstable walls
• Floodwater or fast-moving water
• Downed power lines
• Hazardous chemical spills
• Damaged roads or bridges

If your building is seriously damaged or authorities tell you to leave, evacuate as safely as possible.

Don't enter a damaged building to retrieve belongings. After an earthquake, for example, additional shaking may occur, and damaged structures may be unstable even if they appear intact.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately. Avoid flames, smoking, and operating electrical switches in the affected area. Once safely away, contact the gas utility or emergency services as appropriate.

Remember: Your belongings can be replaced. Your safety and the safety of your family come first.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Stay or Evacuate

One of the most important decisions after a disaster is whether your household should remain where it is or leave.

The right choice depends on the type of emergency, the condition of your home, and instructions from local authorities.

When sheltering in place may be appropriate

Remaining at home may be reasonable if the building is safe, local authorities have not ordered an evacuation, and staying there does not expose you to an immediate hazard.

You may be able to shelter in place during some power outages, winter storms, or other disruptions when your home remains safe and adequately supplied.

When you should leave

Evacuation may be necessary if:

• Authorities issue an evacuation order.
• Your home is threatened by wildfire, flooding, or another approaching hazard.
• The building has serious structural damage.
• There is a fire, suspected gas leak, or another immediate danger.
• Local officials instruct residents to relocate because of a hazardous release or other threat.

Follow official evacuation routes and instructions. Don't drive through floodwater, around barricades, or across damaged bridges.

If you must leave quickly, take essential medications, identification, your emergency kit, and pets if you can do so safely. Don't delay evacuation to collect nonessential possessions.

If you have time and it is safe, notify an out-of-area contact that you are leaving and where you plan to go.

For additional guidance, consult Ready.gov's disaster preparedness resources.

Step 3: Check on Family Members and Establish Communication

After a major disaster, family members may be separated at work, school, or other locations. Cellular networks may be overloaded, electricity may be unavailable, and roads may be blocked.

Having a family communication plan can make this situation easier to manage.

Send a brief message

If phone service is available, send a short text message rather than repeatedly calling. Text messages may sometimes get through when voice calls cannot.

Include three basic pieces of information:

• Whether you are safe
• Where you are
• What you plan to do next

For example: "I'm safe at home. The house appears undamaged. I'm staying here for now. I'll check in again when I can."

Don't assume a message has been received unless you get confirmation.

Use an out-of-area contact

If your family has designated an out-of-area contact, check in with that person. Family members can relay information through the contact rather than everyone trying to reach one another directly.

Keep contact information available on paper as well as on your phone.

Follow school and workplace procedures

If your children are at school, don't automatically rush to retrieve them without checking the school's emergency procedures.

Schools generally have plans for sheltering, evacuation, and reunification. Roads may be unsafe, and arriving unexpectedly could interfere with emergency operations.

Follow official instructions about when and where to reunite.

Don't assume everyone can travel home

A family member who is at work or school may need to shelter in place until travel becomes safe.

Consider agreeing in advance on meeting locations, backup contacts, and what to do if normal routes are unavailable.

If you use two-way radios for family communication, make sure everyone knows how to operate them and understands their limitations. Radios only help when the devices are compatible, charged, within usable range, and operated on appropriate channels.

To learn more about emergency communications options, check out this guide.

Step 4: Get Reliable Information

After a disaster, accurate information can help you make better decisions. Unfortunately, rumors and misleading social media posts can spread quickly when people are frightened or communication systems are disrupted.

Use trusted sources whenever possible.

These may include:

• Local emergency management agencies
• Official city and county alerts
• Fire and police departments
• The National Weather Service
• Local public health departments
• Official utility companies
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can be useful when internet access or cellular service is unavailable. A charged phone and power bank can also help you receive alerts and access official updates. This is my favorite NOAA emergency radio found on Amazon (Amazon affiliate link).

Be careful with unverified information

Before forwarding a message about a dam failure, evacuation order, contaminated water supply, or another urgent threat, verify it through an official source if possible.

False information can send people toward danger or cause them to overlook the actual emergency.

Pay attention to the time and location of alerts. An accurate warning for one neighborhood may not apply to another.

If communication is unavailable, follow established safety procedures and the information you can reliably observe rather than treating unverified claims as facts.

Step 5: Check Your Water Supply

Water is one of your most important needs after a disaster.

A major earthquake, flood, severe storm, or utility failure may interrupt water service or contaminate the supply.

If your tap water is running, don't automatically assume it is safe to drink.

Check for official notices about boil-water advisories, do-not-drink notices, or other water restrictions.

Use stored water first when appropriate

If you have stored drinking water, check that the containers are intact and the water has been stored properly.

Use your stored supply according to your household plan while monitoring local information about the water system.

The CDC recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days as a starting point, with additional water when possible. More may be needed for hot weather, illness, pregnancy, children, pets, and cooking or hygiene.

Follow water safety instructions

Different water emergencies require different responses.

• A boil-water advisory generally means water should be boiled according to official instructions before drinking, cooking, or other specified uses.
• A do-not-drink notice means boiling may not make the water safe, particularly if chemical contamination is involved.
• Floodwater should never be assumed safe to drink, even if it looks clear.

Use the treatment method recommended for the specific hazard. Ordinary household water filters do not remove every pathogen or chemical contaminant.

For practical guidance on preparing water supplies, see the CDC's emergency water supply recommendations.

Step 6: Protect Your Food and Assess What You Can Eat

If electricity is interrupted, your refrigerator and freezer may not keep food at safe temperatures indefinitely.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible while you determine how long the power has been out.

According to the USDA, an unopened refrigerator generally keeps food cold for about four hours during a power outage. A full freezer can generally maintain its temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if half full, provided the door remains closed.

These are general estimates, not guarantees. Food safety depends on actual temperatures and conditions.

Prioritize food that doesn't require refrigeration

If your power is out, consider using shelf-stable foods that require little or no preparation, such as:

• Canned meals and vegetables
• Canned beans and meats
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Dried fruit
• Shelf-stable snacks

Use a manual can opener if needed.

Don't taste food to determine whether it is safe. If perishable food has been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or more, it generally should be discarded. When in doubt, follow official food-safety guidance.

Never eat food that has contacted floodwater unless it is in a completely intact, waterproof, commercially sealed container and has been deemed safe under official guidance. Discard food from damaged cans or containers that may have been contaminated.

For more information, consult FoodSafety.gov's power outage food safety guidance.

Step 7: Address Sanitation and Personal Hygiene

If water service or sewer systems are disrupted, sanitation can quickly become a concern.

Good hygiene helps reduce the risk of illness, particularly when many people are sharing limited resources.

Conserve water

Use stored water carefully and prioritize drinking, food preparation, and essential hygiene.

If the water supply is contaminated or unavailable, follow local public health instructions about handwashing, bathing, and cleaning.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be useful when hands are not visibly dirty and soap and water are unavailable. It is not a complete replacement for handwashing in every situation.

Be prepared for toilet problems

If toilets stop working or sewage backs up, don't continue flushing if doing so could worsen the problem.

Follow local utility or public health guidance about sewage disruptions and emergency sanitation.

A preplanned emergency toilet system may help in some circumstances, but it must be set up and used according to appropriate sanitation guidance. Waste should not be dumped into storm drains, waterways, or places where it can contaminate the environment.

Keep sanitation supplies accessible, including toilet paper, garbage bags, soap, and other personal hygiene products.

If you have infants, older adults, or people with medical needs in your household, account for their specific sanitation requirements.

To learn more about what to do if the sewer system is down, check out this article.

Step 8: Keep Warm or Cool Enough to Stay Safe

A major disaster may leave you without heating or air conditioning.

Your immediate priorities depend on the season, indoor temperature, and whether your home remains safe.

In cold weather

Wear several layers of clothing, including dry socks and suitable head coverings. Use blankets and gather household members in a safe room when appropriate.

Never use an outdoor grill, camping stove, or generator indoors to heat your home. These devices can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fires.

If your home becomes dangerously cold, consider relocating to an official warming center or another safe location.

In hot weather

Drink safe water regularly, reduce strenuous activity, and use the coolest safe area available.

Check on children, older adults, and others who may be more vulnerable to heat illness.

If your home becomes dangerously hot, seek a safe cooling location if travel is possible.

Follow local health and emergency guidance, particularly during prolonged extreme temperatures.

Step 9: Use Your Emergency Supplies Strategically

You may be tempted to start using every item in your emergency kit immediately. Instead, take inventory and identify what you'll need most.

Your priorities may include:

• Drinking water
• Shelf-stable food
• Essential medications
• First-aid supplies
• Flashlights and batteries
• Phone charging equipment
• A battery-powered radio
• Hygiene and sanitation supplies
• Warm clothing or blankets
• Supplies for children and pets

Avoid unnecessary use of batteries, fuel, and other limited resources.

If your household has several days of supplies, make a simple plan for rationing and replenishment without restricting food or water below safe needs.

Check medications and medical equipment early. If a power-dependent medical device is essential, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services for guidance about backup power or relocation.

Don't wait until a medication is nearly gone to seek help if you anticipate an interruption in access.

Step 10: Check Your Home for Damage Without Taking Unnecessary Risks

Once immediate safety concerns are addressed, you may want to assess your home.

Do so only if it is safe to remain inside.

Look for obvious problems such as:

• Broken windows
• Water intrusion
• Damaged doors or walls
• Fallen ceiling materials
• Exposed wiring
• Signs of fire or smoke
• Unusual structural movement or sagging

Do not enter areas that appear structurally damaged or attempt repairs involving gas, electrical systems, or hazardous materials unless you are qualified and it is safe to do so.

After an earthquake, be alert for additional shaking. After flooding, watch for contaminated water and hidden electrical hazards.

If you rent, notify your landlord or property manager when it is safe to do so. If you own your home, document visible damage with photographs when doing so is safe.

Don't put yourself in danger to photograph property or retrieve belongings.

Step 11: Check on Neighbors and Offer Help Safely

Disasters often affect entire neighborhoods. Some people may need help, especially older adults, people with disabilities, or households without transportation.

Once your own household is safe and immediate needs are addressed, consider checking on neighbors if it is safe to do so.

You might be able to:

• Share verified emergency information
• Help someone contact family
• Assist with carrying essential supplies
• Identify neighbors who need assistance
• Report urgent medical or safety concerns to responders

Don't enter damaged buildings, approach downed power lines, or attempt rescues beyond your training and available equipment.

If you belong to a community, faith group, or neighborhood emergency response organization, follow its established procedures. Coordinated assistance is generally more effective and safer than unplanned activity.

You don't have to solve every problem in your neighborhood. Even a small, safe act of assistance can make a difference.

Step 12: Make a Plan for the Next 24 to 72 Hours

As the first day progresses, begin thinking about what your household will need next.

You may not know whether electricity will return in two hours or several days. Water service, road access, grocery stores, pharmacies, and communication networks may remain disrupted.

Rather than assuming normal services will resume quickly, assess your situation and prepare for continued interruptions.

Ask yourself:

• Do we have enough safe drinking water?
• How much food is available, and how can we prepare it?
• Are essential medications and medical supplies sufficient?
• Is our home safe to occupy?
• Do we have a reliable way to receive official updates?
• Can we contact family members?
• Do we need to relocate for safety, medical care, or temperature control?
• What supplies will we need if the disruption continues?

Write down the most important tasks and address them one at a time.

If evacuation is necessary, follow official instructions. If your home remains safe, organize supplies and conserve resources while monitoring conditions.

Avoid making major decisions based solely on rumors or assumptions about how long the disaster will last.

A Simple First-24-Hours Checklist

Use this checklist as a quick reference during an emergency.

• Check for injuries and immediate dangers.
• Call for emergency assistance when needed and available.
• Evacuate or shelter in place according to conditions and official instructions.
• Contact family members using your communication plan.
• Check official alerts and reliable emergency information.
• Assess drinking water safety and availability.
• Protect food and determine which items remain safe to eat.
• Address sanitation and essential hygiene.
• Maintain safe temperatures and monitor for heat or cold stress.
• Check essential medications and medical equipment.
• Assess visible home damage without entering unsafe areas.
• Check on neighbors when it is safe to do so.
• Plan for the next 24 to 72 hours.

Not every item will apply to every disaster. Immediate life safety and instructions from emergency responders take precedence over this general checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing you should do after a major disaster?

Check yourself and others for injuries and immediate dangers. Seek emergency assistance when needed, move away from hazards, and follow evacuation or shelter instructions. Once everyone is safe, address communication, water, food, and other essential needs.

Should I leave my home immediately after a disaster?

Not necessarily. Evacuate if authorities order it, your home is unsafe, or a hazard threatens your location. If your home remains safe and sheltering in place is appropriate, you may be better off staying put. Follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary travel.

What should I have ready for the first 24 hours after a disaster?

Useful supplies include water, shelf-stable food, essential medications, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a way to receive emergency information, phone charging equipment, hygiene supplies, and items needed by children or pets. The exact list depends on your household and local hazards.

What if my phone doesn't work after a disaster?

Try sending a text message, conserve your battery, and use an out-of-area contact if you have one. A battery-powered radio may provide official information. If you have a family communication plan, follow its backup procedures. Don't travel into hazardous areas solely to establish contact.

How much water do I need after a disaster?

The CDC recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days as a starting point. You may need more for cooking, hygiene, hot weather, illness, and other circumstances. Store water safely and follow official notices if the local supply may be contaminated. Ready & Prepped recommends having enough for two weeks or more, but start with three days and add more as you can.

Should I help my neighbors after a disaster?

You can help when it is safe to do so and your household's immediate needs are addressed. Check on neighbors, share verified information, and report emergencies. Avoid unsafe rescue attempts or entering damaged buildings.

The Best Time to Prepare Is Before an Emergency Happens

The first 24 hours after a major disaster can be confusing, but you don't have to figure everything out from scratch.

Knowing how to assess danger, communicate with family, find reliable information, manage water and food, and plan for continued disruptions can make those first hours more manageable.

You don't need a perfect emergency kit or a fully stocked shelter to begin preparing. Start with the basics, make a family plan, and gradually build the supplies and skills that fit your household.

At Ready & Prepped, we believe preparedness should be practical, realistic, and accessible to everyone. A little planning today can give you more options when life doesn't go according to plan.

Start with one step today: make your family communication plan, check your water supply, or gather your essential emergency supplies. Then keep building from there.

Sources and further reading

• Ready.gov — Make a Plan
• Ready.gov — Emergency Alerts
• CDC — How to Create and Store an Emergency Water Supply
• FoodSafety.gov — Food Safety During a Power Outage
• American Red Cross — Get Help After a Disaster

This article provides general preparedness information. Actual actions depend on the type of disaster, local conditions, and instructions from emergency authorities. Always prioritize life safety and official emergency guidance.