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United We Prepare

Protect Yourself and Your Family Before a DisasterDownload Your Disaster Guide

*Grab the free guide and automatically be entered for your chance to snag the Ultimate Disaster Preparedness Kit (a $1,500 value)!

When Disaster Strikes – UWBA is There!

In California, disasters aren’t a question of if—they’re a question of when. From wildfires during California’s wildfire season to the constant threat of a major earthquake, our communities face challenges that can change lives in an instant.

 

That’s why United Way Bay Area has been at the forefront of disaster preparedness and recovery for decades. Through our 211 helpline and strong partnerships with agencies like CalFire, we assist families in preparing for disasters before they happen and respond quickly when they do.

 

Whether it’s connecting neighbors to food and shelter, helping households protect key documents, or offering crisis counseling, UWBA makes sure that Bay Area families have the resources and support they need—before, during, and long after an emergency.

 

Download Your Disaster Guide

*Grab the free guide and automatically be entered for your chance to snag the Ultimate Disaster Preparedness Kit (a $1,500 value)!

 

Partnering with Verizon to Prepare and Respond


Now, thanks to a grant from United Way Worldwide, we are proud to partner with Verizon on the United We Prepare campaign. Verizon’s expertise in connectivity improves our ability to deliver timely alerts, keep families informed, and maintain essential connections during disasters.

 

Together, UWBA and Verizon are helping Bay Area residents prepare for wildfire season, stay connected during emergencies, and rebuild afterward. By combining UWBA’s deep community roots with Verizon’s technology and infrastructure, we’re creating stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across California.

Be Prepared. Get Your Disaster Preparedness Guide!

 

Download our full Free Disaster Preparedness Guide for more quick, practical tips you can use to prepare for an emergency today.

 

*Grab the free guide and automatically be entered for your chance to snag the Ultimate Disaster Preparedness Kit (a $1,500 value)!

 

A table with the content of the Disaster Preparedness Kit laid out on it.

Preparedness Tips at a Glance:

Being prepared doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or expensive. These quick tips are a simple way to start building safety and resilience for yourself, your family, and your community. For even more practical advice, explore our latest blog on budget-friendly preparedness.

  Read 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Be Disaster Ready

  • Identify: Identify your support network and key emergency contacts. Add their numbers to your mobile device
  • Connect: Get connected. Make sure your phone is enabled to get local alerts and warnings.
  • Assess: Assess your needs. This includes the needs of your family and friends. Add medical information to your phone.
  • Safeguard: Safeguard key documents and document valuables. Use your phone to take photos of key documents.
  • Engage: Engage your support network. Check in with your closest friends and extended family to share these tips. Discuss who will get Grandma and her oxygen tank, or make sure Dad is squared away.

Preparedness in Action: Upcoming Events

United Way Bay Area and Verizon are hosting community disaster preparedness activities around the Bay Area, and we welcome you to join us to prepare disaster kits and learn more about how to ensure your safety in a time of crisis.

We also have a fun social media contest where you can win a fantastic disaster preparedness kit.

Check out the following events and join us!

When Crisis Strikes, Call 211

Having a Disaster Preparedness Guide is only the first step to ensure the safety of you and those you care about in a time of crisis. In an emergency, you will need to easily locate support in a matter of minutes.

That is where our FREE 211 Bay Area service comes in.

211 is there 24/7/365 to serve you, your loved ones and your neighbors in a time of crisis. Make calling 211 part of your disaster plan, and check out the site now to learn what services are available should you need them in a time of crisis.

Visit 211 Bay Area

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Important Information

Entering is easy. Learn more below.

  • How to Enter

  • Contest Timeline

      • October 8 – October 29, 2025
      • Winner notified on or about October 30, 2025
      • Prize award on or about October 31, 2025
  • Prizes

      • Two (2) total prices will be awarded
      • Each prize is an Ultimate Disaster Preparedness Kit (exact contents determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion).
    • Prize Contents
      • $500 Gift Card to Sports Basement
      • 1 Yeti cooler
      • 1 United Way quilted blanket
      • 2 United Way sweatshirts
      • 2 Kelty sleeping bags
      • 30 pack of LMNT Electrolytes
      • 2 emergency can openers
      • 1 Biolyte 25,000mAh portable power bank
      • 1 Red Cross crank radio/flashlight
      • 2 Black Diamond headlamps
      • 2 rain ponchos
      • 2 hand sanitizers
      • 2 floating whistles
      • 1 box of waterproof matches
      • 1 waterproof Northern California roadmap
      • 1 family first-aid kit
      • 1 heavy-duty container