Military families can access state-level emergency preparedness resources through their state's emergency management agency, military family readiness groups, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance programs. Because military families often move between duty stations and may live far from extended family, having a state-specific emergency plan tied to your current posting is essential. These resources cover everything from disaster supply kits and evacuation routes to financial assistance after storms, wildfires, or floods.

What state emergency resources are available for military families?

Each U.S. state offers its own emergency preparedness infrastructure through a designated emergency management office. Military families have access to both the general state resources and additional military-specific support layers. Here's what's typically available:

  • State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) programs Each state maintains an agency that coordinates disaster response, distributes alerts, and offers preparedness training. Some states, like California and Florida, have dedicated outreach materials for military installations.
  • FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) After a presidential disaster declaration, military families can apply for grants to cover temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses at DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • American Red Cross military family services The Red Cross provides emergency communication services to connect military families with their service member during disasters and offers shelter and financial assistance through their Hero Care Center.
  • Installation-level Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) Most military installations maintain readiness groups that distribute emergency kits, post evacuation plans, and coordinate with local authorities during a crisis.
  • Department of Defense Emergency Family Assistance Centers (EFACs) When a large-scale emergency affects a military community, EFACs are activated to provide on-site support including housing, medical care, and financial guidance.

Why do military families face unique challenges during emergencies?

Military families deal with circumstances that civilian households typically don't encounter during disasters:

  • Frequent relocations (PCS moves) A family may arrive at a new duty station without knowing local evacuation routes, flood zones, or shelter locations. Your emergency plan from the last state may not apply.
  • Deployed service members When a spouse is deployed and the remaining parent must handle evacuation alone, the logistics become significantly harder, especially with young children.
  • Separated extended family Living far from relatives means you can't easily shelter with family in another city. You need a self-contained plan.
  • Base housing considerations Families living in on-base housing may face different evacuation procedures than the surrounding civilian community.
  • Financial constraints Junior enlisted families often have limited savings, making unexpected disaster expenses harder to absorb without assistance programs.

How do I build a state-specific emergency plan after a PCS move?

Within the first two weeks of arriving at a new duty station, take these steps to get prepared for your new area:

  1. Register for local emergency alerts. Every county or city offers a notification system, often called CodeRed, Nixle, or a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. Sign up for the one in your area.
  2. Identify your county's emergency management office. Visit their website to find local shelter locations, evacuation routes, and hazard maps. Many military installations post links to these on their intranet.
  3. Attend an installation emergency preparedness briefing. Most bases offer these monthly through the Army Community Service, Fleet and Family Support Center, Airman and Family Readiness Center, or Marine Corps Community Services.
  4. Know your flood, fire, and storm risk. Use FEMA's flood map tool at FEMA.gov to check your specific address. If you're stationed in the Gulf Coast region or Tornado Alley, your risk profile is very different from a family in the Pacific Northwest.
  5. Create a family communication plan. Decide in advance where your family will meet if separated, and designate an out-of-state contact person everyone can check in with.

If your family includes a child receiving early intervention services, you'll want to coordinate with your new state's providers as soon as possible so there's no gap in care during an emergency. Our guide on veteran dependent early intervention services by state can help you understand what's available.

What goes into an emergency supply kit for a military family?

FEMA recommends maintaining a 72-hour supply kit at minimum. For military families, some additions make sense:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
  • Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlight, first aid kit, and whistle
  • Local maps with evacuation routes highlighted
  • Phone charger (battery-operated or solar)
  • Important documents in a waterproof bag (PCS orders, ID cards, insurance policies, medical records)
  • Prescription medications (at least a seven-day supply)
  • Cash in small bills on-base ATMs may be inaccessible after a disaster
  • Baby supplies if applicable (formula, diapers, wipes)
  • Pet supplies and copies of pet vaccination records
  • A printed copy of your service member's deployment contact information

Keep this kit near the door, and check expiration dates every six months. A good reminder is to update it during Daylight Saving Time changes.

Can military families get financial help after a disaster?

Yes, and there are several pathways to get it:

  • FEMA Individual Assistance Apply within 60 days of a disaster declaration. This can cover temporary housing, home repair, and personal property replacement.
  • Military Aid Societies Each branch has its own: Army Emergency Relief (AER), Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA). These offer interest-free loans and grants specifically for military families dealing with emergencies.
  • Red Cross emergency financial assistance Available to all military families regardless of branch, often within 24 to 48 hours of application.
  • State-level disaster assistance programs Some states offer their own grants or tax relief for disaster-affected residents. Check your state's emergency management website.
  • SNAP disaster benefits (D-SNAP) If a disaster disrupts food access, military families may qualify for disaster food assistance even if they wouldn't normally qualify for regular SNAP. Families in states like Arkansas can explore ongoing food assistance options through Arkansas veteran family food assistance programs as well.

What are common mistakes military families make with emergency planning?

Based on guidance from emergency management professionals and military family support organizations, these errors come up frequently:

  • Assuming base housing means automatic protection. On-base facilities have their own plans, but they don't replace your personal family plan. You still need a supply kit and a communication strategy.
  • Not updating plans after a PCS move. Your evacuation route from Fort Hood doesn't help you at Fort Bragg. Rebuild your plan every time you relocate.
  • Relying solely on digital communication. Cell towers go down during hurricanes and major storms. Keep printed lists of emergency contacts and know where your nearest Red Cross chapter is located.
  • Forgetting about pets. Not all shelters accept animals. Identify pet-friendly shelters in advance, or arrange for boarding.
  • Skipping renters insurance. Many military families in base or off-base housing don't carry renters insurance. Standard homeowners or renters policies may cover some disaster losses, but many exclude flood damage. You may need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Not having a plan for the deployed spouse's absence. The at-home parent needs to know how to handle evacuation, financial access, and childcare logistics independently.

How does my state's emergency plan affect my family differently than civilians?

State emergency plans generally don't distinguish between military and civilian residents when issuing evacuation orders or opening shelters. However, military families should be aware of a few differences:

  • Military installations may issue their own evacuation orders separate from the surrounding county. Always follow both.
  • Some states have mutual aid agreements with military bases for resource sharing during large-scale emergencies.
  • Military families stationed in states prone to specific hazards hurricanes in the Southeast, earthquakes on the West Coast, or ice storms in the Northern Plains should tailor their kits and plans to those risks.
  • If you're a military family in a state like Nebraska or Vermont, your local emergency management office may have limited experience with military-specific needs. Proactively reach out to introduce yourself and ask how they coordinate with the installation.

Families stationed in Nebraska can connect with crisis-specific military family support through Nebraska veteran family crisis hotline resources, and Vermont-based families can find mental health support through Vermont veteran dependent mental health counseling.

How do I stay connected with my service member during a disaster?

Communication during emergencies is one of the biggest stressors for military families. Here's what works:

  • American Red Cross Hero Care Center Available 24/7 at 1-877-272-7337. This service verifies emergencies and can facilitate emergency leave for the deployed service member.
  • Military OneSource Call 1-800-342-9647 for confidential support and resource connections during and after a disaster.
  • Installation command channels Your Family Readiness Group leader or unit's rear detachment can relay messages to deployed service members through official military communication systems.
  • Establish a check-in protocol ahead of time. Decide with your service member how and when you'll contact each other during different types of emergencies. Agree on a primary and backup method.

What about families who need respite care or ongoing support during a disaster?

Emergencies compound the stress on families that are already managing special needs, disabilities, or caregiving responsibilities. If your family relies on respite care services, it's important to know whether those services continue during a disaster and how to access alternatives if they don't. Our resource on state veteran family respite care eligibility covers what's available and how to maintain continuity of care during disruptions.

Quick-Start Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Military Families

  1. Sign up for local emergency alerts in your county or city
  2. Visit your installation's Family Readiness office and attend an emergency briefing
  3. Build or refresh a 72-hour emergency supply kit
  4. Store copies of PCS orders, IDs, insurance, and medical records in a waterproof bag
  5. Create a family communication plan with a printed contact list
  6. Register for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov
  7. Identify your branch's military aid society and note their contact information
  8. Check renters or homeowners insurance for flood and disaster exclusions
  9. Know your nearest Red Cross chapter and the Hero Care Center number (1-877-272-7337)
  10. Revisit and update all of the above every six months and after every PCS move

Start today by picking one item from the list above and completing it before the end of the week. Even one step puts your family in a stronger position when the next emergency hits.