Natural disasters can strike quickly, with little or no warning. So post these reminders in a safe, easily-remembered spot so you’ll know just what to do if one of these strikes.

Tornados
When a tornado watch is issued, it means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to form in your area. Stay tuned to your local radio or television for updates.

If a tornado warning is issued, it means that a tornado has actually been spotted in your area and you must take shelter immediately in an underground shelter or steel-framed or reinforced concrete building.

If you’re at home, go to the basement and hide under the stairs. If you don’t have a basement or it’s not wheelchair accessible, choose an alternative location such as the smallest room (closet or bathroom) on the lowest level in the center of the house.

If you’re at work or school, go to the designated shelter or to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.

If you’re in a trailer or mobile home, get out and take cover elsewhere.

If you’re driving, get out of your car and lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch.

Lightning
Lightning is very dangerous—when a thunderstorm is approaching, take shelter immediately. If you’re inside your home, don’t use the telephone and unplug electrical appliances.

If you are outside:

  • Don’t stand under trees.
  • If you’re in an open field, make sure you’re surrounded by objects taller than you are. Also, go to a low place, such as a ravine, and squat down on your toes; however, don’t lie down.
  • Stay away from open water and all metal (e.g., golf carts, bikes, fences, pipes).
  • If you’re in a forest, go to the lowest area under a thick stand of trees and squat.

Winter Storms
You should be prepared for being confined in your home for a few days. (Please refer to the Emergency Supplies Kits section of the Emergency Preparedness Plan.)

Hurricanes
When a hurricane watch is issued, it means that conditions are favorable for a hurricane to occur in your area within 36 hours. Stay tuned to your local radio or television for updates.

If a hurricane warning is issued, it means that a hurricane is approaching your area within 24 hours and you must take action immediately. Listen to the radio or TV for information and instructions.

If you’re not instructed to evacuate, make sure you secure your home by closing storm shutters or boarding up windows and secure outdoor objects or bring them inside. Also, don’t use the telephone and unplug electrical appliances.

Make sure your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked in case you’re confined to your home. If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so by following the instructions of your local authorities

If you are unable to evacuate, do the following:

  • Stay inside in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level and away from windows.
  • Close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors.
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed.
  • Lie on the floor under a sturdy table of other object.


Floods
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you should keep emergency supplies such as sand bags and plywood on hand to build a levee around your house.

Make sure your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked in case water service and other utilities are interrupted.

When a flood warning is issued, the local authorities usually state the severity of the expected flooding. Stay tuned to your local radio or television for updates.

If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and go to the location specified by authorities. Also, if you’re instructed to turn off your water, gas and electricity, do so immediately

If there’s time before evacuating your home, make sure you secure your home by tying down outside objects or bringing them inside and lock your doors and windows.

Earthquakes
Have your emergency family and evacuation plans in place and your Emergency Supplies Kits ready in the event of an earthquake.

During an earthquake, stay calm and do the following:
If you’re inside, get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway and stay away from windows.
If you’re outside, get away from buildings and utility poles/wires.

Wild Fires
Before a wildfire occurs near your home, you should have emergency family and evacuation plans in place and Emergency Supplies Kits ready. Be ready to evacuate immediately.