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Natural Disasters

Wildfires

Preparation :

  • Sign up for your community’s warning system and for The Emergency Alert System (EAS).

  • Know your community’s evacuation plans and find several ways to leave the area. Drive the evacuation routes and find shelter locations.

  • Gather emergency supplies, including N95 respirator masks that filter out particles in the air you breathe.

  • Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows.

  • Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials.

Emergency situation:

  • Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so.

  • Call 911 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible.

  • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

  • Use an N95 masks to keep harmful particles out of the air you breathe.

Floods

Preparation:

  • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.

  • Sign up for your community’s warning system and The Emergency Alert System (EAS).

  • If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.

  • Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.

  • Gather emergency supplies.

Emergency situation:

  • Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you previously identified.

  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

  • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!

  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.

  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.

Hurricanes

Preparation:

  • Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.

  • Sign up for your community’s warning system and for The Emergency Alert System (EAS).

  • If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.

  • Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.

Emergency Situation:

  • Listen for current emergency information and instructions.

  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.

  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.

  • Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.

  • Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.