Disasters can strike at any time.
Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or fire, you need to be ready.
Part of being prepared is having a good disaster slogan that sticks in people’s minds.
Something short and catchy that tells them what to do.
A great disaster slogan can save lives by giving clear instructions.
It can provide comfort in scary times. And it can unite a community around a common cause.
So choose your words carefully!
To help you brainstorm, here are 15 slogan ideas for different types of disasters.
Slogan Ideas for Disasters
Get ready to jot down some notes. These slogans will get your creative juices flowing.
In Case of Emergency, Stay Calm and Carry On
“Keep calm and carry on.” You’ve probably seen this famous British saying before. It was used to boost morale during World War II. The simple phrase tells people exactly what to do in a crisis – don’t panic, just keep going.
This slogan works well for any kind of emergency. Whether there’s a big storm coming or a sudden accident, staying calm is key. Panicking only makes things worse. By keeping a level head, you can think clearly and take action.
Some other versions of this slogan could be:
- Stay Cool in a Crisis
- Don’t Freak Out, Help Out
- Be Chill, Not Shrill
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Flash floods are no joke. They can sweep away cars, destroy buildings, and claim lives. That’s why “Turn around, don’t drown” is such a good flood safety slogan. It’s a memorable rhyme that gives clear advice.
If you see flood water on the road, do not attempt to drive through it! The water may be deeper and faster-moving than it appears. Many people have died this way. No matter how much of a rush you’re in, it’s not worth the risk. Turn your vehicle around and find another route.
You could also say:
- Use Your Brain, Avoid the Rain
- Stay Dry, Stay Alive
- If the Road Is Wet, Don’t Risk It Yet
Stop, Drop, and Roll
“Stop, drop, and roll” is a fire safety classic. This simple slogan tells you how to put out flames if your clothes catch on fire. First, stop what you’re doing. Then drop to the ground and roll around until the fire is smothered.
It’s smart fire advice that even little kids can remember. The rhyme makes it stick in your head. And the clear action words leave no doubt about what to do. This could save someone with burning clothes from severe injuries or death.
Other fire slogans to consider:
- Don’t Get Burned, Safety First
- Cool It Quick, Before the Fire Makes You Sick
- No Fiery Fate, Know How to Escape
Duck, Cover, and Hold On
Earthquake safety is all about protecting yourself from falling objects. That’s what “Duck, cover, and hold on” is about. When the ground starts shaking, this slogan reminds you to drop down, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the quake ends.
Many injuries in earthquakes happen when things like bookcases and light fixtures fall on people. Ducking under a strong table can shield you from these hazards. And holding on keeps you from being thrown across the room if the shaking is severe.
Related slogans could include:
- Shake, Rattle, and Protect Your Skull
- Get Low, Don’t Be Slow
- Take Cover or Get Flattened, Brother
If You See Something, Say Something
“If you see something, say something.” This slogan rose to prominence after 9/11. It encourages regular people to report suspicious activities that could indicate a terrorist attack or other violent crime.
The phrase empowers normal citizens to trust their gut. You don’t have to be a hero, but if something seems off, tell the authorities. No one knows your neighborhood better than you do. Police rely on these tips to stop bad events before they happen.
Some other versions:
- Notice a Clue, Tell Who
- Speak Up On the Spot, It Helps a Lot
- Don’t Just Wait, Communicate
Spread the Word, Not the Flu
Disease outbreaks can be disasters too. The flu kills thousands of people a year. “Spread the word, not the flu” promotes flu prevention in a fun way. Tell others how to avoid getting sick – get vaccine shots, wash hands often, cover sneezes and coughs.
At the same time, don’t spread germs if you’re already ill. Stay home from work or school. Avoid close contact with healthy people. The play on words in this slogan is clever and very catchy. It turns a negative “spread the flu” into a positive “spread the word.”
More flu-fighting slogans:
- Be Wise, Sanitize
- Get the Shot or Get Caught (by the flu)
- Prevent Infection, Use Protection
Run From the Flood, Reach High Ground
Flooding can happen fast. “Run from the flood, reach high ground” gives you a disaster plan in just 6 words. If flood waters are rising, don’t wait around. Speed is key. Get to higher ground as quickly as you can, by foot or car.
Flood waters can surge suddenly. If you can see the water, that means it’s already too high to outrun in low areas. Every minute counts in a flood. This slogan is motivating. “Run” is an action word. And “high ground” gives you a destination to race towards.
Other versions:
- Flee the Sea Before It Catches Thee
- If Waters Rush, Don’t Be Mush
- Bolt to a Hill, Before the deluge kills
Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Stay Informed
General disaster preparedness takes work. This slogan breaks it down into three basic steps anyone can follow. First, build an emergency kit with things like food, water, flashlights, radios, and first aid. Second, make a disaster plan with your loved ones – where will you meet, how will you contact each other? Third, stay informed by following weather reports and official instructions.
This slogan is great because it’s specific. It doesn’t just say “Get ready,” it tells you exactly how with three clear actions. The repetition of “build,” “make,” and “stay” gives it a nice rhythm. And the ideas logically build on each other.
Alternatives:
- Prep Your Stuff, Make a Plan, Know What’s Up
- Stock It, Map It, Listen Up
- Gather, Think, Link
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors
“When thunder roars, go indoors.” It’s a snappy little rhyme with good advice for severe storms. If you hear thunder, lightning could strike nearby at any moment. Don’t stay outside! Find a fully enclosed building or vehicle right away.
Many people think the rain is the most dangerous part of a thunderstorm. But it’s the lightning you really have to worry about. This slogan uses “roar” as an attention grabber. And “go indoors” clearly tells you where to seek safety.
More thunder wisdom:
- If You Hear It, Fear It – Thunder Has No Blunder
- Boom in the Sky? Inside You Should Fly
- Crash and Flash Means Inside Dash
Do 1 Thing
Disaster readiness can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to do! “Do 1 thing” simplifies it. This clever slogan was created by FEMA. It encourages people to tackle emergency prep in small, easy steps.
Instead of trying to do it all at once, just pick one simple task. For example, buy some extra canned food this week. Next week, make copies of important documents. Bit by bit, you improve your preparedness without getting stressed out.
Variations:
- Today, One Action You’ll Take
- When You Do Zip, You’re Letting Disaster Rip
- An Ounce Now Beats a Pound in Trouble
Give Blood Before Disaster Strikes
Blood donations often dry up after big disasters. There’s suddenly a huge need for blood to treat injured people. “Give blood before disaster strikes” takes a proactive stance. It tells people to donate blood now, before the need arises later.
This slogan taps into the human urge to help. Donating blood is a simple way to save lives. And doing it ahead of time ensures a ready supply. Plus, if you donate regularly, your area is more likely to have your blood type on hand if you ever need it!
More donation phrases:
- Donate to Abate Bad Fate
- A Pint Given, Problems Driven
- Be a Star, Fill the Blood Jar
Know Your Zone
If you live in a hurricane area, you’ve probably seen evacuation signs that say “Know your zone.” This refers to hurricane evacuation zones mapped by local governments. Zones are designated by letters like A, B, C. When a big storm’s coming, officials will announce which zones must be evacuated.
“Know your zone” is a great slogan because it’s personal. It relates to your specific location. And it implies that finding your zone is a responsibility you should take care of before a hurricane, not during. The more prepared you are, the safer you’ll be.
Similar ideas:
- Know Your Route Before Winds Toot
- Learn Your Letter, Then Flee Better
- Pick Your Place in the Hurricane Race
Make a Go Bag
Evacuation plans aren’t just for hurricanes. If any disaster threatens your home, you may have just minutes to leave. “Make a go bag” means assembling an emergency kit you can grab in a hurry. Include items like cash, food bars, water, a flashlight, batteries, first aid, and toiletries.
This slogan uses very few words to plant a critical idea. Everyone should have a pre-packed bag ready for an unexpected flight. In a real emergency, you won’t have time to think about what to bring. The word “go” suggests something you can take instantly without prep.
More go-bag mottos:
- Have a Fast Pack Ready
- Keep a Scram Sack On Hand
- Build Your Bail Bag Today
Get In, Tune In, Stay There
During a disaster, you need good information. “Get in, tune in, stay there” is a three-step slogan for riding out an emergency at home. First, get inside a safe, sturdy structure. Second, tune in to official news sources on TV, radio, or the Internet. Third, stay put until authorities say it’s safe to come out.
This slogan is a bit like “Stop, drop, and roll” for sheltering in place. It’s simple and uses rhyme to be memorable. “Get in” and “Stay there” are clear, physical actions. “Tune in” reminds you to actively seek reliable updates, not just hide and hope for the best.
Variants:
- Hunker, Listen, Remain
- Find Cover, Follow News, Stay In Your Shoes
- Halt, Listen, Shelter In
Don’t Wait, Evacuate
Sometimes, the only safe option is to leave. “Don’t wait, evacuate” says it all. If officials tell you to evacuate, don’t delay. Get out as soon as possible. Waiting could mean getting trapped.
This slogan is short but powerful. “Wait” and “evacuate” rhyme perfectly. And they’re total opposites, which makes the phrase more memorable. “Don’t” and “evacuate” are the strongest words. This phrasing is much more likely to spur action than something like “You might want to consider evacuation at some point.”
Similar slogans:
- Hesitate and Seal Your Fate
- Why Stall? Vacate Y’all
- Be Late, Evacuate
Wrapping Up These Slogans
Disaster slogans may seem simple, but they can make a big difference.
The whole point is to be memorable and actionable—something people can understand in a snap.
Slogans can’t replace in-depth emergency plans but reinforce the most important points.
So stick with short, catchy phrases. Rhyme, repetition, and action words work well.
Keep your slogans focused – one main idea each.
And most importantly, use them! Repeat slogans often in your disaster prep materials.
The more people hear them, the better they’ll remember what to do when it counts.