Disaster Safety

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make your family and your home safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. Take a moment, review the materials and links provided, prepare yourself and your family.

Animal & Pet Safety
The following information has been prepared by the Humane Society of the United States in cooperation with the American Red Cross. Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Here's how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes... more

Chemical Emergencies
Under certain conditions, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. Some chemicals which are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions... more

Fires
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home... more

Floods
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information... more

Heat Waves
If a heat wave is predicted or happening... Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.... more

Shelter-in-Place During an Emergency
One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency where hazardous materials may have been released into the atmosphere is to shelter-in-place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors... more

Terrorism
Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. There are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise.... more

Thunderstorms
Before lightning strikes... Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.... more

Tornado
Prepare a home tornado plan. Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.... more

Winter Storms
Prepare a winter storm plan. Have extra blankets on hand. Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.... more