Hurricane Melissa carved a path of destruction across the Caribbean, leaving fatalities, widespread flooding, and significant damage in its wake on October 30, 2025. The storm struck southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, with winds exceeding 185 mph, causing catastrophic flooding and destroying historic sites, including the 1700s Black River Anglican Church.

Authorities have declared Jamaica a disaster area as search-and-rescue and clean-up efforts are underway. Power outages and communication disruptions persist across the island nation.

Hurricane Melissa: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast Facts: Hurricane Melissa
• What’s the latest update on Hurricane Melissa?
• What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?
• How many people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa?
• How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa?
• What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the people of Haiti?
• How can I help people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters?

Fast Facts: Hurricane Melissa

• Formed on October 21, 2025, as the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
• Intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on October 27, 2025.
• Reached maximum sustained winds at 185 mph, with higher gusts, according to NOAA.
• Made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing catastrophic winds, torrential rains, and flooding.
• The storm affected millions across the Caribbean, including Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
• Torrential rain lashed Haiti, the Caribbean’s most populous nation, causing floods and landslides.
• Resulted in nearly 30 deaths across the region: Haiti (25 deaths, including 10 children), Jamaica (4 deaths), and the Dominican Republic (1 death). Many others are missing.
• Endangered 1.6 million children in Jamaica, Haiti, and the surrounding islands.
• Caused widespread displacement, infrastructure damage, and agricultural loss across the Caribbean.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What’s the latest update on Hurricane Melissa?

As of October 30, 2025, Hurricane Melissa had weakened to a Category 1 storm.

Melissa is currently 430 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving northeast at 30 mph. After passing Bermuda, the storm is expected to weaken further as it heads toward the Canadian Maritimes. By Saturday, Melissa is expected to become a strong post-tropical storm near Newfoundland.

At its peak, Melissa was a Category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica.

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What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?

Hurricane Melissa has unleashed powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and landslides across the Caribbean. As of October 30, 2025, the latest updates on the storm’s impact by countries are as follows:

Cuba

• Authorities had evacuated more than 700,00 people across eastern Cuba ahead of the storm’s landfall.
• In the province of Santiago alone, at least 241 communities remained isolated and without communications, affecting up to 140,000 residents.

Dominican Republic

• Heavy rains and widespread flooding triggered landslides, damaging homes and displacing hundreds of  900 people. Over 1.1 million people are without access to safe drinking water.

Haiti

• At least 25 people, including 10 children, have died in Haiti, and 12 are missing. Damage reports indicate that over 1,000 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and nearly 12,000 people have moved into emergency shelters.

Jamaica

• Up to 1.5 million people could be impacted by the storm. Widespread power outages have left at least 72% of the island without electricity, and many areas are reporting catastrophic infrastructure damage.
• AccuWeather estimates that Melissa could cause $22 billion in damages and economic loss, with rebuilding potentially taking a decade or more.

Across the region, children are among the most vulnerable, facing disrupted schooling, unsafe shelter, and rising risks of malnutrition and exploitation.

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How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa?

In Haiti, we already have a strong presence and are taking steps in our disaster relief efforts there:

• Pre-positioned emergency supplies: We are supporting at least 4,000 households with food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. Local networks shared alerts and preparedness tips, helping residents brace for the storm’s impact.

In Jamaica, where World Vision doesn’t operate, we are preparing hurricane disaster relief through our partnerships:

• Pre-positioned emergency aid supplies: All six World Vision warehouses have essential supplies ready to deploy, with initial loads coming from Pittsburgh and Dallas to expedite delivery. As of October 30, 2025, two shipping containers of emergency response supplies from our Pittsburgh warehouse have been dispatched to Miami. Once distribution hubs in Jamaica are identified by the National Baptist Convention (NBC), World Vision will work to transport the containers to a port in Jamaica and onward to NBC church distribution sites.  
• Shipping containers of aid: Immediate relief supplies from our Pittsburgh warehouse to Miami, for onward transport to Jamaica. Supplies include:
  • Flood buckets
  • Generators
  • Hygiene kits
  • Tarps
  • Additional emergency items

Through these efforts, World Vision is working to ensure that children and families in both Haiti and Jamaica can receive urgent assistance in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

“With communications down and so many communities cut off, our biggest challenge is getting aid to those who need it most,” said Mike Bassett, World Vision’s national director of domestic humanitarian and emergency affairs. “We’re working with partners to deliver supplies and reach families in the hardest-hit areas.”

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What’s the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the people of Haiti?

At least 25 people have died across Haiti, and 13 are missing. Damage reports indicate that at least 450 homes have been flooded, damaged, or destroyed.

“Children and families in Haiti are facing compounding crises,” said Lesly Michaud, national program director in Haiti. “We are committed to standing with communities through this storm and beyond, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.”

Prior to the storm, Haiti was already facing significant challenges. One of the world’s most vulnerable countries, Haiti’s nearly 5 million people — half of them children — are facing severe hunger. World Vision warns that Hurricane Melissa could further devastate food systems and set back recovery efforts amid ongoing violence and displacement.

“Food insecurity has been plaguing Haiti for the past year or so, where more than half of the population is food insecure,” said Guy F. Vital-Herne, communications manager for World Vision in Haiti. “The impact that we are seeing so far of Hurricane Melissa is putting more pressure now on some populations, with many crops being destroyed right now.”

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How can I help people affected by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Melissa and other disasters around the world.
• Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families impacted by this hurricane and other disasters around the world.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

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Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The storm triggered mass evacuations, with over 5 million people fleeing coastal areas along the East Coast. Helene caused widespread destruction, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds across several states. At least 227 people lost their lives in the extreme weather event.

Hurricane Helene: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Hurricane Helene
• What is the latest update on Hurricane Helene?
• How did Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impact the southeastern U.S. in 2024?
• How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene?
• How can I help people affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters in the U.S.?

Fast Facts: Hurricane Helene

• Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
• The storm caused widespread destruction across northwestern Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds ranging from 40 to 60 mph.
• Hurricane Helene ranked among the most powerful storms to hit the United States and the strongest hurricane on record to strike Florida’s Big Bend region.
• Among the deadliest U.S. hurricanes since Maria in 2017 and Katrina in 2005, Helene claimed at least 227 lives.
• With initial damage estimates of at least $79.6 billion, Helene ranks among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
• Compounding the devastation in many of the same areas, Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What is the latest update on Hurricane Helene?

As of February 2025, recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are ongoing. While many areas have continued to make progress, some of the hardest-hit communities face challenges such as power restoration, infrastructure repairs, and debris removal. Helene is the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Maria in 2017. About half the victims were in North Carolina, while dozens more perished in Georgia and South Carolina. The storm caused massive power outages and widespread infrastructure damage.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How did Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton impact the southeastern U.S. in 2024?

Just weeks apart, Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the southeastern U.S. in 2024, causing widespread devastation. Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26 with 140 mph winds, bringing record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and hurricane-force winds across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. With at least 227 fatalities, Helene became the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Maria in 2017.

Shortly after, Hurricane Milton struck many of the same areas, compounding the damage with additional flooding and destruction. In response to both disasters, World Vision delivered emergency aid, distributing food, clean water, hygiene kits, and rebuilding materials to affected communities. Recovery efforts continue, with long-term support focused on rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

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How is World Vision helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene?

World Vision responded quickly to Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, partnering with local churches to reach the hardest-hit communities. When Hurricane Milton struck shortly after, our teams quickly expanded their efforts to support even more impacted communities.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and through our 20 church partnerships, we have served 90,914 people in the affected states of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in response to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. We delivered:

Food aid:

• Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals.
• 19,248 gallons of clean water.

Christmas support:

• In December 2024, World Vision supported eight holiday events, delivering over 20,000 toys, card games, stuffed animals, books, items of clothing, and other recreational items.

Rebuilding efforts: 

• Partnering with long-term recovery groups to rebuild 150 homes, supplying lumber for framing, drywall and supplies, flooring, doors, bathroom fixtures (including sinks and toilets), kitchen appliances, shingles, and more.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How can I help people affected by Hurricane Helene and other disasters in the U.S.?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene and other disasters around the world.
• Give: Your gift will help deliver urgent aid to children and families impacted by this hurricane and other disasters in the U.S.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

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In September and October 2024, the Southeastern U.S. was struck by two powerful hurricanes, Helene and Milton, causing widespread destruction. The storms left communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond struggling with the aftermath: destroyed homes, disrupted lives, and severely damaged or completely destroyed infrastructure.

In these critical moments, World Vision’s swift and steadfast response has made a significant difference. Partnering with 20 local churches, we distributed essential supplies like clean water, generators, diapers, personal care items, and more, ensuring that people in the hardest-hit areas readily accessed the basics they needed.

Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Sr., of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Florida, shared his gratitude: “To be able to partner with World Vision, a worldwide organization that has that local touch as well, is incredible.”

Our commitment to supporting these communities extends beyond short-term relief to long-term recovery and rebuilding.

“World Vision’s mission is not only to be among the first to respond when disaster strikes, but also to stay long after the headlines fade,” World Vision’s National Director of U.S. Programs, Reed Slattery said. “That’s what we mean by being ‘first in, last out.’ Our commitment is to help families not just survive the immediate impacts of the storm but to thrive long-term by rebuilding their homes. We’re honored to be the Lord’s hands and feet during the most difficult times in the lives of storm survivors.”

Your immediate support and ongoing impact

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the partnership of churches, faith-based organizations, and community organizations, we’ve distributed 57 truckloads of aid, bringing relief to communities across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

As of September 2025, World Vision’s response has supported 90,914 people in the hardest-hit communities. Through 20 church partnerships, we delivered:

• Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals
• 19,248 gallons of clean water
• More than 20,000 toys, books, items of clothing, and holiday gift items to families in need

Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church called World Vision’s response “an answer to prayer.”

A future of hope and restoration

We’re continuing to focus on post-storm clean-up and rebuilding as we move into the recovery phase. Our long-term commitments include supporting our partnerships to rebuild 150 homes with building materials such as lumber, drywall, appliances, and more. Long after other organizations have often left, we will continue to stand by these communities, dedicated to helping them rebuild and restore their lives with dignity and hope.

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Imagine the earth’s crust and outer mantle as an enormous jigsaw puzzle composed of seven big plates and many smaller ones, each uniquely shaped, that fit together along their boundaries. These plates continuously shift over the molten core beneath them, creating friction where they touch and accumulating energy. The pent-up energy is eventually released when the plates push past or get shoved beneath one another, resulting in powerful earthquakes. These seismic events can sometimes trigger tsunamis — large ocean waves with significant impact.

A striking example of this occurred on September 29, 2025, when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 10 miles northeast of Bogo City in Cebu province, Philippines.

As these tectonic plates shift, the earth’s landscape is altered as well, giving rise to awe-inspiring natural wonders — towering mountains and fiery volcanoes — all the while sculpting new coastlines.

Earthquakes and tsunamis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts and frequently asked questions about earthquakes and tsunamis, and find out how to help people affected by natural disasters.

• Fast facts: Earthquakes and tsunamis
• What is the most recent earthquake in 2025?
• What are the main causes of earthquakes and tsunamis?
• What are hazards linked to earthquakes?
• What are tsunamis and where do they come from?
• Are tsunamis the same as tidal waves?
• How can I prepare for an earthquake?
• What should I do in an earthquake to stay safe?
• What is World Vision’s response to earthquake and tsunami survivors?
• How can I help people affected by earthquakes and tsunamis?
• Timeline: Earthquake and tsunami studies

Fast facts: Earthquakes and tsunamis

• Every year, Earth experiences approximately 500,000 earthquakes, about 100,000 of them being perceptible and around 100 causing damage. Major earthquakes, measuring a magnitude of 7 or higher, occur somewhere on earth roughly once a month.
• A magnitude 9.5 earthquake in Chile on May 22, 1960, is the most powerful earthquake in recorded history.
• The largest-known quake in the United States struck Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 28, 1964, and measured magnitude 9.2.
• The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake near Sumatra, caused widespread destruction, claimed the lives of approximately 230,000 people, and left millions displaced or affected.
• Tsunamis also can be caused by volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, or even asteroid impacts.
• The Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” is a major hotspot for earthquake and tsunami activity due to the high concentration of tectonic plate boundaries.
• Tsunamis can travel across entire ocean basins, reaching distant coastlines with devastating force.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What is the most recent earthquake in 2025?

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu in the central Philippines on Tuesday night, shaking homes, cutting power, and prompting coastal evacuations.

“My children were already asleep when the earthquake struck. I woke them up for us to go outside and get them to safety. I was starting to feel nervous because the tremor was taking longer than I expected, and some of our belongings at home were crashing to the floor,”
said Mike Manatad, World Vision’s program officer in Cebu, Philippines.

World Vision’s Operations Manager Bonifacio Calapan in Visayas, Philippines, said: “Our area program in North Cebu is heavily impacted. Almost 80% of our staff in Visayas have confirmed they are safe, though some remain unaccounted for due to power outages. We are actively monitoring the situation of the children and their families in the area.”

Classes have been suspended across Cebu and nearby provinces as assessments and aftershocks continue.

Elsewhere:

• July 27, 2025, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The quake, one of the strongest ever recorded in the region, caused widespread shaking, raised tsunami alerts across the Pacific, and highlighted the immense destructive power stored beneath the earth’s surface.
• Just months earlier, on March 28, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, toppling buildings and bridges, and affecting thousands of lives.

What are the main causes of earthquakes and tsunamis?

Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, but tsunamis can have different causes as well. Earthquakes happen because the earth’s outer layer is made up of big pieces called tectonic plates that are always moving. When these plates press against each other, they create a lot of potential energy. Sometimes, this energy is quickly released as the plates suddenly grind past or under each other, causing the ground to shake — which we call an earthquake. Scientists gauge earthquake magnitude by analyzing ground movement data from a global network of seismic stations.

Tsunamis, on the other hand, are triggered by either undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. When an earthquake happens under the ocean, it can move the water above it and create big waves that travel thousands of miles across the ocean floor. These waves are called tsunamis.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are the hazards linked to earthquakes?

Strong earthquakes can be extremely dangerous. The earth’s shaking may cause landslides or even rupture the ground surface. When saturated loose soils lose their stiffness and form, liquefaction occurs, and the ground collapses like a liquid. In a one-two punch, a tsunami may follow an undersea earthquake, bringing massive destruction to coastal zones.

Most earthquake deaths are due to structural failures of buildings. The 2010 Haiti earthquake, for example, struck hardest in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where poorly constructed buildings collapsed. The disaster claimed an estimated 250,000 lives and left 1.5 million people homeless.

Secondary effects of earthquakes can include infrastructure collapse, fires, and disease. After the Haiti quake, a cholera outbreak spread quickly through the camps where people lived for many months. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake triggered a secondary hazard: fires ignited by ruptured gas mains burned for three days and destroyed about 500 city blocks. In more recent disasters, downed power lines caused fires.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

What are tsunamis and where do they come from?

Tsunamis are giant waves caused by sudden shifts in the seafloor, often due to earthquakes or underwater volcanic activity. These immense waves can travel as fast as a jet plane, reaching speeds of up to 500 miles per hour, especially across the open ocean.

As tsunamis approach land, they gradually slow down and their height increases dramatically. For example, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan tsunami waves exceeded 100 feet in height as they reached the shoreline.

Tsunamis occur most frequently in the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped belt in the Pacific Ocean known for its frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

Are tsunamis the same as tidal waves?

Tsunamis and tidal waves are distinct phenomena despite both being sea waves. Tidal waves are simply part of the tides caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on Earth — occurring daily on the seashore — and are generally less than a dozen feet tall, moving at up to 20 miles per hour. Tsunamis are not influenced by tides, can move at 500 miles per hour, and can surge onto shore nearly 100 feet high.

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How can I prepare for an earthquake?

When it comes to earthquake preparedness, taking proactive measures is crucial. The U.S. Geological Service advises individuals to equip their households with essentials for self-sufficiency, especially in the event of aftershocks lasting a week or longer.

Here’s a checklist to consider stockpiling:

• Fire extinguisher
• Dried and packaged food for multiple days
• One gallon of water per family member per day; consider bleach or purification tablets for water treatment
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Tools to shut off gas and water lines
• Camp stove or barbecue and cooking fuel
• Flashlight, along with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sturdy plastic bags for waste disposal

To prepare for the unexpected, participate in International ShakeOut Day, held on the third Thursday of October.

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What should I do in an earthquake to stay safe?

In the event of an earthquake, federal, state, and local officials all agree on the best safety measures: drop onto your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. They do not recommend standing in a doorway or trying to run outside. If you’re close to a sturdy table or desk, consider crawling underneath it for shelter.

If you or a loved one has a disability that prevents dropping to the ground, the Earthquake Country Alliance has resources to help address specific needs.

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What is World Vision’s response to earthquake and tsunami survivors?

In the aftermath of earthquakes and tsunamis, World Vision takes swift action, delivering vital aid and support to those affected. Our mission extends beyond immediate relief — we’re dedicated to help alleviate suffering, restore hope, and empower communities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after these devastating events. Here are some ways we respond:

• Emergency aid: We deliver life-saving supplies such as food, access to clean water, blankets, and essential hygiene items to affected communities. These supplies are crucial for survival in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
• Shelters: World Vision helps set up temporary shelters and provides materials for rebuilding communities destroyed or damaged by earthquakes and tsunamis. This allows families to regain a sense of stability and security.
• Child-Friendly Spaces: We establish safe spaces for children in disaster-affected areas, giving them a secure place to play and learn, while helping them cope with the challenges they’ve experienced.
• Education and psychosocial support: We offer children in emergencies quality education, temporary learning spaces, and school supplies. Also, we provide psychosocial support to help children and their families through their difficulties.
• Livelihood support: We equip communities with vocational training, tools, and resources to help families recover economically. This helps restore a sense of normalcy and self-sufficiency.
• Disaster preparedness and risk reduction: We collaborate with communities to build resilience and preparedness for future disasters. This includes training them in disaster risk reduction strategies, early warning systems, and emergency response planning.
• Long-term recovery and rehabilitation: Remaining engaged in disaster-affected areas for the long term, we support affected communities in their recovery journey. This involves sustainable development projects to rebuild infrastructure, improve healthcare and education, and enhance community resilience.

Read insights from World Vision’s global director for humanitarian operations: “5 essential lessons we’ve learned responding to earthquakes.”

Major earthquakes prompting World Vision’s response

Here are some notable events where World Vision provided crucial aid to survivors:

• 2001 Bhuj, Gujarat, India earthquake: Magnitude 7.9, loss of 20,000 lives
• 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami: Magnitude 9.1, loss of 230,000 lives
• 2005 Kashmir earthquake: Magnitude 7.6, loss of 73,000 lives
• 2010 Haiti earthquake: Magnitude 7.0, loss of at least 250,000 lives
• 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami: Magnitude 9.0, loss of 20,000 lives
• 2015 Nepal earthquake: Magnitude 7.8, loss of 9,000 lives
• 2016 Ecuador earthquake: Magnitude 7.8, loss of 700 lives
• 2017 Mexico earthquakes: Magnitudes 8.1 and 7.1, loss of at least 225 lives
• 2018 Indonesia earthquakes and tsunami: Magnitudes 6.9 and 7.5, loss of at least 2,000 lives
• 2021 Haiti earthquake: Magnitude 7.2, loss of 2,000 lives
• 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake: Magnitude 7.8, loss of 55,000 lives
• 2023 Afghanistan earthquakes: Magnitude 6.3, loss of 2,000 lives
• 2025 Myanmar earthquake: Magnitude 7.7, loss of over 3,600 lives
• 2025 Afghanistan earthquake: Magnitude 6, loss of over 1,400 lives

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How can I help vulnerable people affected by earthquakes and tsunamis?

• Pray: Join us in praying for all those affected by earthquakes and other disasters.
• Give: Your gift will help vulnerable children and families in the aftermath of earthquakes and disasters.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

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Imagine having only minutes to decide what to take and what to leave behind. Your home, your school, your community — lost in an instant. For millions, this isn’t just a worst-case scenario; it’s reality.

Emergencies rarely come with a warning. They strike fast — with the roar of wildfire, the jolt of an earthquake, or the silence that follows lost communication. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or a humanitarian crisis, having a plan ready can mean the difference between chaos and calm.

Emergency preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about responsibility, not just for ourselves but also for our loved ones, our neighbors, and our most vulnerable community members. We’ve seen firsthand how small steps taken before a disaster can save lives and bring hope back.

Proverbs 27:12 tells us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” As people of faith, we prepare not out of fear, but out of love for our families, for our neighbors, and for those God calls us to serve.

To prepare for an emergency, you’ll need to make a plan for your household, build an emergency supply kit with food and water, and stay informed about risks in your area. You’ll also need to store important documents, medications, and contact info, and you’ll want to practice your plan regularly and keep your kit updated. Preparation can save lives and reduce panic.

Emergency preparedness guide

Let’s walk through, step-by-step, on how to prepare for a disaster or emergency so you can be ready, equipped, and empowered. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Why emergency preparedness matters
• How to create an emergency plan and supply kit
• Make a spiritual readiness plan
• Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

Why emergency preparedness matters

Disasters come in many forms: hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, armed conflict, pandemics, and more. Emergencies can unfold without warning, leaving little time to act.

Preparedness saves lives and reduces suffering. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are especially at-risk during emergencies. Having a plan helps protect the most vulnerable. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us: “The wise see danger and take cover.”

A frequent sentiment after a disaster is wishing one had done things differently or been more prepared.

“I wish before the hurricane, I had known not to underestimate the power of the floodwaters and the storm,” said Mateo Magana (pictured above) of Swannanoa, North Carolina.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene — a catastrophic Category 4 storm — roared ashore in Florida and devastated North Carolina. It destroyed Mateo’s home, where he lives with his grandparents.

“If I could go back, I would definitely have a bag ready and packed,” he said.

BACK TO QUESTIONS

How to create an emergency plan and supply kit

Being prepared and self-sufficient is crucial, as disasters in the U.S. can overwhelm emergency services. It’s essential for households to be able to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours.

This three-day standard, recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross, aligns with global best practices, emphasizing the importance of readiness regardless of where a disaster occurs.

In Europe, the European Union has recently adopted a similar strategy. In March 2025, the EU urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. This recommendation is part of the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, which aims to enhance resilience against emerging threats such as extreme weather, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.

Mike Bassett, World Vision’s U.S. Programs emergency response manager, has responded to U.S. disasters for nearly 10 years — from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the Central Texas flooding in July 2025.

“When a family is prepared for disaster, they are protecting the most important thing, the lives and safety of their family,” he explains. “I have heard numerous times from survivors of a disaster say, ‘I am just thankful we are safe; things can be replaced, lives can’t.’”

Here are the steps you can take to make your emergency plan and supply kit.

1. Know your risks

• Learn what disasters are most likely in your area.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather apps.
• Prepare for specific threats like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, or fires.

2. Create a household emergency plan

• Select two designations to meet in case not everyone is home when the disaster occurs: a nearby location near your home, one outside your neighborhood. List contact numbers and create a phone tree.
  • Keep printed contact cards in wallets, backpacks, and vehicles.
  • Save contacts on all family devices and back them up in cloud storage.
  • Choose an out-of-area contact to help relay messages.
• Decide how you’ll communicate if phones go down.
  • Use walkie-talkies for short-range family communication
  • Keep a better-powered radio with extra batteries to receive emergency updates
  • Install the FEMA and Red Cross apps for alerts that may still reach you even if your network is busy.
• Plan for evacuation routes and shelter options.

3. Build an emergency kit

• Tailor your kit for your household’s needs and store it in a grab-and-go backpack or waterproof container.
• Use this checklist for basic supplies to build a survival kit for each member of your household:

• • 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day minimum)
  • Non-perishable food (3-day minimum supply, per person)
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid kit (basic items):
    • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
    • Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
    • Antiseptic wipes or solution
    • Tweezers and travel-sized scissors
    • Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
    • Allergy medication (antihistamines)
    • Gloves (disposable)
    • Any personal prescription medications
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Extra clothes and sturdy shoes (suitable for walking over rubble or flooded areas)
  • Emergency shelter:
    • Blankets or sleeping bags (pack separately, if needed, near go bag)
    • Tent or tarp for emergency shelter
    • Rain ponchos or waterproof covering
  • Paper maps of your local area
  • Cell phone charger and power bank
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Cash in small bills
  • For special consideration:
    • Supplies for pets, babies, and elderly family members.
    • Extra items for medical, dietary, or mobility needs.

4. Stay informed

• Monitor local news and emergency broadcasts.
• Follow trusted sources and authorities. For example:
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – U.S. disaster alerts and preparedness guidance
  • American Red Cross – Shelter information, disaster updates, and relief resources
  • National Weather Service (NWS) – Weather alerts, warnings, and forecasts
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Severe weather and natural disaster monitoring
  • Local government emergency management offices – City or county-specific alerts and instructions

5. Practice your plan

• Run regular emergency drills with all family members at least twice a year. Adjust and update contact information and locations, if needed.
• Make it family-friendly and age-appropriate so children are not unnecessarily scared, while still learning what to do in an emergency.
• Review and update your plan yearly. Make sure everyone in the family is informed and can articulate what the plan is.

*Sources adapted from the U.S. government resources, including Ready.gov, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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Make a spiritual readiness plan

In moments of fear or panic, God’s word brings peace, so it can be wise to also create a spiritual readiness kit into your regular emergency kit.  We encourage families to prepare holistically, combining physical safety with spiritual resilience. Being ready is an act of faith and love. God calls us to care for one another, especially in times of trouble. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

Bring faith into your emergency readiness:

• Include scripture cards featuring verses of comfort, a children’s Bible, and a prayer guide in your emergency kit. Verses of comfort can include:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

• Pray as a family during emergency drills.
• Encourage your church or ministry to develop a disaster response plan, so it may assist community members in the event of a disaster.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbors during storms or evacuations.

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Ready to respond: How World Vision helps during emergencies

At World Vision, we believe preparation is an act of love. We help families before, during, and after disasters to stay safe, recover faster, and hold onto hope. Isabel Gomes oversees World Vision’s emergency responses worldwide — from conflicts and refugee movements to devastating natural disasters. With decades of experience, she knows what it takes to reach vulnerable communities quickly and effectively.

“I’ve seen firsthand how preparedness changes everything. In the chaos of an emergency, it’s the difference between despair and survival,” Gomes said. “What makes our humanitarian responses truly powerful is our local teams — they know the communities, they understand the needs, and they’re often the first to act. We prepare not just with supplies, but with compassion and trust — because every life we reach matters deeply.”

For World Vision, responding immediately has been a daily reality — a commitment rooted throughout the history of our work, and continues to guide us. Scripture calls us to welcome the stranger, to stand with the displaced, to love our neighbors as ourselves. World Vision is often among the first to respond when disaster strikes. In 2024 alone, we responded to 87 disasters and humanitarian crises across 65 countries, supporting over 35 million people in emergencies.

Here’s how we help:

• Respond within 24 to 72 hours with emergency relief supplies
• Distribute food, clean water, hygiene kits, and shelter
• Provide child protection services and trauma counseling
• Support long-term recovery and community rebuilding

Thanks to decades of experience, World Vision is uniquely positioned to respond swiftly and compassionately — delivering hope when it’s most needed.

Learn more about our disaster relief work.

You can help by taking the next step with us:

• Pray for impacted families worldwide
• Give now to help people affected by disasters.

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