READY Program: Resilient Emergency Action and Disaster-readiness for You

Habitat for Humanity Kansas is committed to building not just homes, but resilient communities. The READY Program empowers our affiliates, staff, and volunteers to respond quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.

The READY Program is designed to:

  • Strengthen disaster preparedness across Kansas Habitat affiliates.

  • Equip staff and volunteers with the tools and training needed for emergency response.

  • Coordinate recovery efforts and connect communities with essential resources.

Whether it’s a tornado, flood, fire, or other emergency, READY helps ensure Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Kansas are ready to respond, rebuild, and recover—together.

READY to Respond: Simple Steps to Prepare for Any Disaster

Create a Family Preparedness Plan

Every household should have a written emergency plan that outlines how to communicate, where to meet, and what to do in different disaster scenarios. Identify evacuation routes, designate an out-of-town contact, and ensure every family member knows the plan. FEMA’s Ready.gov offers free templates and planning guides.

Family Evacuation Plan

Because you might not have much time to evacuate when a disaster strikes, it is important to have a plan in place to get your family out of danger quickly and efficiently.

Stay Informed

Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications via text or app. The American Red Cross Emergency App, NOAA Weather Radio, and your local emergency management agency are reliable sources. Understanding early warnings helps you act quickly and confidently.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare a kit with essentials like non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medication, important documents, and hygiene items. Store the kit in a durable container that’s easy to carry in case you need to evacuate.

Be Financially Prepared

Strengthen your financial preparedness for disasters and emergencies using the FEMA Emergency Financial First Aid Kit. Additionally, review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what’s covered and what’s not. Standard policies often don’t include flood or earthquake damage—separate policies may be required. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides guidance at FloodSmart.gov.

Disaster Preparedness for Those with Special Needs

Disabilities and special needs can significantly complicate disaster preparation and response efforts. If you or someone you know requires assistance during such challenging times, it is essential to take proactive steps and plan ahead to ensure safety and accessibility.

Strengthen Your Home

Simple improvements like reinforcing doors, securing heavy furniture, trimming trees, and installing storm shutters can reduce damage during high winds or earthquakes. FEMA’s “Protect Your Property” guides include affordable retrofit ideas to increase your home’s resilience to severe winds, flooding, storm surges, earthquakes, wildfires and coastal erosion.

Get Involved Locally

Join or start a neighborhood emergency preparedness group. Working with neighbors can improve safety, build community trust, and make recovery faster. Find out if your local Habitat for Humanity affiliates have workshops or resources that can connect you with local partners and volunteer opportunities.

Preparing Pets for Disaster

Join or start a neighborhood emergency preparedness group. Working with neighbors can improve safety, build community trust, and make recovery faster. Find out if your local Habitat for Humanity affiliates have workshops or resources that can connect you with local partners and volunteer opportunities.

  • Services Directory

    Locate services such as temporary housing, volunteer assistance, donation centers, and transportation support.

  • Real-Time Inventory

    Check what emergency supplies, like tarps, water, hygiene kits, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE), are available at each affiliate.

  • Resource Request Tool

    Habitat Affiliates and volunteers can request supplies or services needed for disaster response. Email

  • Volunteer Sign up

    Volunteer to support Habitat for Humanity Kansas during a disaster. This opportunity is available only during an active disaster response.

The Habitat for Humanity Kansas READY Program was developed through a generous allocation of funding provided by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) CSBG Discretionary Funds in 2025.