Preparing for Natural Disasters
Natural disasters—from wildfires and floods to earthquakes and hurricanes—can strike with little warning. For immigrant communities, the stakes are often even higher. In addition to the loss of home or livelihood, disasters can also threaten documentation of legal status, access to services, and personal safety.
Here’s how immigrant families can prepare, protect themselves, and recover more easily when disaster strikes.
1. Create a Family Emergency Plan
Know your risks: Understand the types of disasters common in your area (e.g., wildfires in Oregon, hurricanes in the Gulf Coast).
Plan evacuation routes: Identify multiple ways to leave your home and community.
Choose a meeting place: Pick a safe location where your family can reunite if separated.
Practice your plan: Review and rehearse it regularly with all family members.
2. Build an Emergency Kit: Prepare a “go bag” with essentials you can grab quickly. Include:
Water and non-perishable food (3-day supply)
Flashlight, batteries, and phone charger
First aid kit and medications
Extra clothes and blankets
Cash (small bills)
Copies of important documents (see below)
3. Protect Your Documents: Losing immigration paperwork, IDs, or work permits can delay recovery and put your documentation of legal status at risk. To protect your documents:
Make copies: Photocopy or scan passports, green cards, DACA permits, Social Security cards, and birth certificates.
Store safely: Keep originals in a waterproof, fireproof container. Store digital copies in a secure cloud account or encrypted USB drive.
Know your A-Number: Memorize or write down your immigration case number in a secure place.
4. Stay Informed — In Your Language
Sign up for alerts: Many counties offer emergency text alerts in multiple languages.
Follow trusted sources: Local news, community organizations, and city emergency services often post updates on social media.
Ask for interpretation: You have the right to request language assistance when seeking help from public agencies.
5. Know Your Rights and Resources
You can seek shelter and aid: Emergency shelters and disaster relief are available to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
Legal help is available: Organizations like ICS and others offer free or low-cost legal assistance after disasters.
Avoid scams: Be cautious of people offering help in exchange for money or personal information.
6. Connect with Community
Join local networks: Cultural centers and nonprofits often organize mutual aid during disasters.
Volunteer or attend trainings: Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and Red Cross offer free disaster preparedness classes.
Share your plan: Talk with neighbors and friends about how you can support each other.
Disasters are unpredictable, but preparation can make all the difference. For immigrant families, being ready means protecting your future, your rights, and your peace of mind.
ICS is here to help. If you’ve been affected by a disaster or need help preparing, reach out to our team for support.