Disaster Preparedness

Hurricanes can cause severe damage from wind, rain, and flooding. Here’s how to prepare:

• Create an emergency plan: Identify evacuation routes and designate meeting places for family members.
• Secure your home: Install storm shutters, reinforce doors, and secure outdoor furniture.
• Stay informed: Sign up for weather alerts and monitor local news for updates on evacuation orders.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Earthquakes can strike without warning, making preparation crucial:

• Drop, cover, and hold on: Practice earthquake drills at home, work, and school.
• Secure heavy items: Anchor furniture, shelves, and appliances to walls to prevent them from falling.
• Identify safe spots: Locate sturdy furniture or doorways where you can take cover during a quake.
• Have an emergency communication plan: Know how to contact family members if phone lines are down.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Tornadoes can cause widespread destruction with little warning:

• Know the warning signs: Watch for dark, greenish clouds, large hail, and loud roars that signal a tornado.
• Identify a safe room: Choose an interior room or basement with no windows to shelter during a tornado.
• Have a communication plan: Make sure family members know how to reach each other if separated.
• Stay informed: Pay attention to weather reports and alerts in your area.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Flooding can occur with little warning. Here’s how to prepare:

• Know your flood risk: Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and keep an eye on flood warnings.
• Elevate critical items: Move valuables, electronics, and important documents to higher ground.
• Have an evacuation plan: Know where to go and how to get there if a flood hits.
• Avoid floodwaters: Never walk or drive through floodwaters, as they can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Wildfires can spread quickly and unpredictably:

• Create a defensible space: Clear flammable vegetation around your home and keep gutters and roofs free of debris.
• Prepare an evacuation plan: Identify multiple routes out of your neighborhood and practice evacuating with your family.
• Stay informed: Sign up for local alerts and be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• Protect your home: Use fire-resistant materials for roofs and walls and keep an emergency fire extinguisher on hand.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Keep your home cool: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit cooling centers during extreme heat.
• Check on vulnerable individuals: Make sure older adults, children, and pets are staying cool.
• Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: Watch for symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and muscle cramps.

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Cold weather can lead to dangerous conditions such as hypothermia or frostbite:

• Prepare your home: Insulate pipes, seal windows and doors, and have a reliable heating system.
• Stock up on supplies: Store extra blankets, warm clothing, food, and water in case of power outages.
• Stay indoors: Limit exposure to the cold and avoid travel if possible during severe winter weather.
• Know signs of hypothermia: Look out for confusion, shivering, and slurred speech, and seek medical help immediately.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

Although terrorism is unpredictable, there are steps you can take to be better prepared:

• Stay aware of your surroundings: Report suspicious activity to local authorities.
• Create an emergency plan: Know where to evacuate or shelter in place in case of an attack.
• Know local warning systems: Familiarize yourself with public alert systems and emergency procedures.
• Follow official instructions: Stay tuned to local authorities for safety instructions during an emergency.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.

• Create an emergency communication plan: Ensure your family knows how to contact each other in the event of an emergency.
• Stay informed: Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings.
• Plan for special needs: Make arrangements for family members who are elderly, disabled, or have medical conditions.
• Assemble your Family Disaster Kit

For more information, please visit Ready.gov.