Drought Preparedness Guide
Water conservation, food security planning, and health protection during prolonged drought.
Compiled from official emergency-management guidance (FEMA/Ready.gov, IFRC, WHO, national agencies) · Reviewed by the WND Editorial Team · Last reviewed:
Key action: Drought builds slowly — act early. Conserve water before restrictions force it, protect food and income sources, and watch for the health impacts of water scarcity: contaminated supplies, malnutrition and heat stress.
Before the event
- Follow seasonal forecasts and official drought-monitor status for your region.
- Fix leaks; harvest rainwater where legal; install water-efficient fixtures.
- Farmers: plan drought-tolerant crop varieties, fodder reserves and destocking thresholds early.
- Store safe drinking water and know alternative supply points.
- Diversify income where livelihoods depend on rainfall.
During the event
- Comply with water restrictions; prioritize drinking, cooking and hygiene.
- Reuse greywater for plants; water gardens at dawn/dusk only if permitted.
- Treat questionable drinking water (boil/chlorinate/filter) — scarce water is often unsafe water.
- Protect remaining water sources from contamination and evaporation (cover storage).
- Watch household nutrition; seek assistance programmes early rather than selling productive assets.
- Extreme fire risk accompanies drought — follow the wildfire guide precautions.
After the event
- Continue conservation as supplies recover; aquifers refill slowly.
- Flush and disinfect long-unused pipes and wells before drinking.
- Farmers: restock gradually; rebuild fodder and seed reserves first.
- Document losses for relief and insurance programmes.
Emergency kit checklist
- Stored drinking water and purification (tablets/filter)
- Covered water containers for household storage
- ORS sachets; hygiene supplies that need little water (sanitizer)
- Shelf-stable, low-water-preparation foods
Evacuation guidance
- Severe prolonged drought can require relocating livestock or, in crisis regions, households — follow official programmes rather than unplanned migration where possible.
What NOT to do
- Do NOT drink untreated water from shrinking ponds and rivers — concentration of contaminants rises as levels fall.
- Do NOT waste water on lawns/washing vehicles under restrictions.
- Do NOT burn fields or debris during drought — extreme fire danger.
- Do NOT sell all productive livestock/assets at crisis prices before exploring relief options.
Children, older people and people with disabilities
- Children under five face the highest malnutrition risk — use growth-monitoring and feeding programmes early.
- Ensure older people maintain fluid intake despite scarcity mindsets.
Pet safety
- Ration but never fully cut animal water; provide shade.
- Destock or relocate livestock before body conditions collapse.
Frequently asked questions
How is a drought declared?
Agencies combine rainfall deficits, soil moisture, river/reservoir levels and vegetation indices into drought-monitor categories. Declarations trigger restrictions and assistance — follow your national drought monitor for current status.
What is the biggest health risk during drought?
Unsafe drinking water and hygiene reduction, which drive diarrhoeal disease, plus malnutrition where food production fails. Treating water and protecting child nutrition are the priority actions.