The following tips are for specific disasters and supplement the general disaster advice give previously.  This information does not represent all the ways to prepare and respond.  For more specific information, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/hazard/index.shtm.

Earthquake

Earthquakes can strike suddenly and without warning, with devastating loss of life and property. 

To prepare: 

• Develop an earthquake plan and review and rehearse it with your family. Practice dropping to the floor and taking cover under a sturdy table or desk, while holding on and protecting your eyes by burying your face in the crook of your arm.
• Review your disaster plan with family members, caregivers and babysitters.
• As part of your plan, reserve a safe place in every room of your house — under a sturdy table, desk or along an inside wall in an area that is free of glass or anything that can fall on you.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
• Know where the shut-off valves are located in your home for gas, water and electricity.
• Select an out-of-the-area family contact or friend to notify in the event of a quake.
• If you live in an earthquake-prone area, secure your home and address any hazards — store breakable objects, hang heavy or unstable objects away from where people might get injured and maintain your home so there are no cracks in your foundation or ceiling. In addition, securely store pesticides and chemicals and your water heater to the wall. Secure bookcases, china hutches and other heavy, potentially mobile furniture to wall studs with bolts or other devices. Put latches on cupboards.
• Check with a building inspector or other professional about additional home foundation and structure reinforcement measures.

In the event of an earthquake:

• Drop to the floor and find the nearest place of secure cover, and then hold on.
• If in bed, stay put and hold on while protecting your head with a pillow.
• If outdoors, drop to the ground and stay away from buildings, tall trees, power lines and anything else that might fall on top of you.
• If in a car, slow your speed and follow the directions given above. Do not exit the vehicle until after the tremors stop, unless circumstances created by the quake place you in immediate danger.

After an earthquake:

• Check yourself and others for injuries; administer first aid, if necessary; call 911 or your local emergency number only if injuries appear life threatening (but be aware that ambulance service may be delayed).
• Get rid of fire hazards and extinguish small fires.
• Turn off the gas if you detect an odor or if there’s a chance it’s leaking, especially if any fires are nearby.
• Check your home for structural or other damage; be prepared to evacuate if it appears unsafe.
• Watch television or listen to the radio for instructions and updates.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. Drop, take cover and hold onto a secure object if tremors begin again.
• Be aware that telephone service may be cut off or that circuits may be overloaded; use the phone only if caught in a life-threatening situation.

Extreme Heat

Extended heat waves can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people, especially the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, the young (under age four) and those who are overweight.

To prepare:

• Be familiar with the symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke; be ready to respond if any of these symptoms are exhibited.
• Make sure your home’s air-conditioning system works properly. It’s best to have it checked every year before the weather gets hot.
• If your house does not have air conditioning, consider having it installed. If that is not possible, have at least one or more fans on hand to help sweat evaporate and cool your body. (Keep in mind that while electric fans may provide comfort, they will not necessarily prevent heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat.)
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.

In the event of extreme heat:

• Pay attention and respond to government warnings about extreme heat in your area.
• Stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid exerting yourself outdoors.
• If you are home, stay on the lowest floor out of the sun, where typically it’s coolest. If that is not possible, go inside a cool building (e.g., shopping mall, community center, library) during the hottest hours of the day.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids to help keep your body cool, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcoholic beverages (particularly beer), which can be dehydrating.
• Eat small, light frequent meals. Avoid excessive protein or heavy foods.
• Wear light, loose-fitting warm-weather clothing; avoid layers of clothing.
• Take frequent cool showers, baths or sponge baths.
• Some prescription medications may interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature or inhibit sweat production. Check with your doctor of pharmacist for these and other possible side effects.
• Never leave children in closed vehicles even for brief periods of time. Temperatures in automobiles can climb to 130 degrees F (54.4 degrees C) within minutes and can be lethal.

Elderly

Elderly people have more trouble adjusting to sudden changes in temperature than younger people do, so be alert to their special needs.  Many chronic medical conditions impair the body’s normal responses to heat. Check on elderly friends and neighbors and others who are at risk of heat-related illnesses at least twice a day. 

Consider Pets

• Make sure pets have plenty of water and access to shade or cooler environments.
• Be careful not to over-exert any pets during outdoor activities (especially older animals and dogs with thick fur); they can succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke much more quickly than humans.
• Never leave pets in a closed vehicle, even for very short periods.

Fire

Approximately 4,000 Americans die each year in fires, and more than 20,000 are injured — often because of lack of awareness of how dangerous fires are and how quickly they spread. That’s why knowing the basic facts about fires is so important.

Fire Facts

Fire spreads quickly. It can take fewer than 30 seconds for a flicker or a flame to get completely out of hand and turn into a major fire. A house can fill with life-threatening black smoke and flames in minutes, leaving no time for making a phone call or grabbing valuables.

Smoke and toxic gases can be more threatening than flames. Most fires happen when people are asleep. Instead of being awakened, however, the poisonous gases released by the fire may make them fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation, caused by the inhalation of smoke and odorless, colorless toxic gases, is the chief cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by three to one.

Heat is deadly. Fires can generate intense heat – up to 600 degrees in minutes. This heat can scorch your lungs and melt clothing to your skin. Sometimes the heat from a fire causes everything in the room to ignite at once; this is known as “flashover.”

Fire is pitch black. Although flames from a fire are bright, they quickly produce black smoke and total darkness, making it difficult to find your way out of your own house.

Fire Prevention  

• Install smoke detectors, and check them once a month. Place smoke alarms, based on the ceiling or high on the wall (up to 12 inches from the ceiling) on each level in your house, including outside bedrooms, at the top of open stairwells, at the bottom of enclosed stairways and just outside the kitchen.
• Consider having your local fire department inspect your home for fire hazards, prevention and safety.
• If you live in the city by a back alley, consider installing address numbers on the back of your house so emergency personnel can locate it easier.
• Keep A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your home; check regularly and know how to use them.
• If possible, install an automatic sprinkler system in your home.
• Insulate chimneys and have them inspected yearly.
• Place spark arresters on the roof surrounding the chimney.
• Use caution when using space heaters, and make sure they are at least three feet away from upholstery, curtains and other flammable items.
• Never leave space heaters unattended.
• Call the utility company if you smell gas; they will dispatch professionals to check for leaks.

Open Sources of Flames

• If you have a fireplace, have it swept and inspected annually to prevent buildup of creosote, which can ignite and cause your house to catch on fire. Use a fireplace screen at all times, and keep all flammable items, including rugs, away from the hearth area.
• Use caution when burning candles, particularly during large gatherings (or refrain from using them altogether, especially if children or pets are present). Never leave candles unattended, and extinguish them if you feel sleepy or are using medication that can make you drowsy.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children’s reach, preferably under lock and key.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. Use only deep, sturdy ashtrays, including outdoor areas, particularly for persons who smoke outside. Cigarettes and cigars should be doused with water first if being disposed of in the trash.

Flammable Items

• Never use flammable liquids (including gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid) indoors.
• Use only approved containers for flammable items. Store them in cool, well-ventilated areas away from sources of combustion and out of reach of children and pets.
• Never launder or store rags that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them; discard only in sealed, outdoor metal containers.

Cords and Electrical Wiring

• Ask an electrician to check your electrical wiring, especially if your house is old or if you frequently blow fuses.
• Keep extension cord use to a minimum and make sure prongs are fully plugged in.
• If you must plug in two or three items using the same outlet source, use a UL-approved multiple-plug-in unit to prevent sparks and short circuits and to protect against power surges.
• Check all cords for frayed or exposed wires.
• Make sure outlets are secured with cover plates.
• Do not run cords or wiring under rugs, over nails or in highly traveled areas.

Cooking

• Use caution when cooking; it is the leading source of fires in homes.
• Never leave stoves or other sources of fire unattended.
• Avoid wearing long sleeves and loose-fitting clothing or accessories.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from the stove or flames.
• Make sure all cooking surfaces are free of grease.
• Take care when cooking with oil to avoid burns from spattering grease.
• Use a lid to smother any fires that erupt in cooking pans. (Never use water on a grease fire.)
• Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher handy (under the sink or in a closet).
• Turn off and check all kitchen appliances before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Never use your stove to heat your home.

Fire Safety Tips

• Plan and practice escape routes for each room in your home with your family; make sure you have two methods of escaping every room in the house. Employ the same measures for your surroundings when traveling or staying with family and friends.
• Teach family members to stay low to the ground (where the air is less hot and toxic) and crawl along the floor in the event of fire.
• Make sure you can open all windows, and install fire-safety opening features on the inside of any window security gratings or burglar bars.
• Consider purchasing escape ladders for upper levels.

In the event of a fire:

• Escape first, then call for help. Time is of the essence.
• Do not use elevators; take the stairs instead, or if blocked, exit through a window.
• Carefully check closed doors (with the back of your hand only) for heat before opening them.
  • Do not open a hot door; try escaping through a window instead. If you can’t exit from the window, hang a white or light-colored from the window so that firefighters can find you.
  • Open a cool door with caution, and check for fire and smoke before escaping through it. If your escape route does not appear safe, close the door and check alternative escape routes, including windows. If the area is clear, leave immediately and close the door behind you.
• If there is smoke, get down near the floor and crawl till you reach your exit. Continue to close doors behind you to block heat, smoke and flames.
• Do not re-enter the building once you have made it out safely. Instead, call 911.

If there are burn or smoke-inhalation victims:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Cover burns and follow the instructions at the Emergency Manual burns page. 
• Perform CPR for smoke inhalation. 

Flood

Floods are the most frequently reported natural disaster in the nation, and can occur in virtually every state and territory. But not all floods are the same. Flash floods are usually considered the most dangerous, but even minor, slowly developing floods can be deadly. Flooding also often occurs after hurricanes. 

Preparing (in Advance) for a Flood

A Flood Watch means flooding is possible in your area; stay tuned for developments and details, and elevate or move furniture and valuables to higher floors. Be prepared to possibly evacuate. If the watch is for a flash flood, know the signs of a flash flood and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

A Flood Warning means that a flood is occurring or will happen very soon; be prepared to evacuate as soon as possible if instructed to do so.

If you receive a flash flood warning that pertains to you or if flooding starts in your area, evacuate and get to higher ground immediately. Do not delay; you may only have minutes or even seconds to escape.

To prepare:

• Find out your area’s risk of flooding. If you’re not sure, contact your local government’s emergency management office, planning and zoning department or Red Cross chapter.
• Minimize potential flood damage in advance by making sure your furnace, water heater and electric panel are in elevated areas of your home. (Consulting with a professional is advised.)
• Identify alternate routes and other means of transportation out of the immediate area.
• Have access to boots and heavy rain gear, if needed.
• Prepare a family disaster plan that includes your family disaster supply kit.
• Be aware of the potential for flooding. Heavy rain of several hours’ duration or slow, steady rain over several days may make your area ripe for a flood.
• Tune in to local weather reports on television, radio or via the Internet for the latest weather conditions and safety instructions, and when to be ready to evacuate.
• Stay away from rivers, streams and other bodies of water.
• Obey barricade signs.
• Avoid driving through floodwaters, even if shallow; your vehicle may be swept away.
• If you are caught in rapidly rising water and your car stalls, get out immediately and get to higher ground.
• Avoid wading or swimming in flood waters. You may be caught up in rapidly flowing waters, or the water may be filled with dangerous debris or electrically charged. If you must walk through water, survey the area for any possible dangers first, and look for areas where water is not moving.
• Avoid downed power lines; they carry the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

After a flood:

• Do not return to a flooded home or local area until local authorities tell you it is safe to do so. The flooding may have weakened roads and bridges, leaving them in danger of collapse. Downed power lines, fallen trees and floating debris may present life-threatening dangers, buildings may be unstable or uninhabitable and drinking water may not be safe.
• Be prepared to live elsewhere, using the supplies from your family disaster kit, for at least several days, and exercise caution and good judgment in your decision-making about whether or not to return home.

Hurricane

Hurricanes are common in the southern Atlantic Ocean region, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly from August through December. Originating from severe tropical storms that form hundreds of miles out to sea, hurricanes can range from mild (Category 1) to severe (Category 5), and people living in coastal communities should be hurricane-ready and prepared to evacuate when told to do so.

Preparing (in Advance) for a Hurricane

A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area; stay tuned for developments and details, and be prepared to possibly evacuate. Secure your property by boarding up windows with plywood or hurricane shutters. Move all outdoor furniture, plants and anything else not tied down indoors. Consider elevating or moving furniture and valuables to higher floors, if your home is susceptible to flooding.

A hurricane warning means that a hurricane is expected in your area; be prepared to evacuate as soon as possible if instructed to do so.

To prepare:

• Assemble a disaster supply kit that includes such items as a home first aid kit, extra set of car keys, credit card, and one change of clothing per person.
• Keep on hand a three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person, per day), canned foods, and blankets or sleeping bags on hand to take with you, in case you need to evacuate.
• Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlight in your home, with spare batteries; in a disaster situation, listen to your local radio and TV stations for updates and follow all instructions.
• Conduct a household inventory. Have a detailed visual or written record of all your possessions, including model and serial numbers.
• Store important documents in a safe deposit box away from your home. Keep valuables and copies of important papers in an evacuation box that includes health information, such as prescription medications; copies of prescriptions and children's immunization records; lists of allergies; list of emergency numbers, including telephone numbers of physicians; extra pairs of eye glasses; and a first-aid manual.
• Plan to secure your property either with storm shutters of plywood. Tape is not effective in preventing windows from breaking.
• Conduct family emergency drills. Identify places to meet in case of emergency, and know the location of and safest route to emergency shelters. Show each family member how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity. Post emergency numbers on telephones.
• Secure and make provisions for pets, or bring along pet supplies if you are evacuating your pets with you. (Remember that shelters can’t take pets during hurricanes and other disasters.)
• Take first aid and CPR classes. Learning these skills and being prepared can save a life.
  

In the event of a hurricane:

• Pay attention to local weather reports on television, radio or the Internet for the latest weather conditions and safety instructions. Be ready to evacuate.
• Keep a full tank of gas in your car, and have cash on hand in case the power goes out and credit cards and ATM machines can’t be used.
• Turn off any propane tanks.
• Fill the bathtub or other large containers with water to use to flush toilets, if needed.
• Evacuate when called upon to do so. Secure your home by unplugging appliances and electrical equipment and take your disaster supply kit, including your battery-powered radio, with you.

After a hurricane:

• Do not return to a hurricane-damaged or flooded home or local area until local authorities tell you it is safe to do so.
• Avoid downed power lines; they carry the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
• Stay away from flooded areas. The flooding may have weakened roads and bridges, leaving them in danger of collapse. Downed power lines, fallen trees, disabled vehicles and building debris may present dangers; buildings may be unstable or uninhabitable and drinking water may not be safe.
• Watch for animals that may have sought refuge in unusual places, including your home — do not try to rescue them. Do not touch dead animals, which can cause disease. If you pick through debris, watch for poisonous snakes. 
• Do not re-enter your home if you smell gas or you see damage to electrical wiring or water and sewer systems or to the roof or foundation. Do not turn on the lights until you know it is safe to do so.
• Be prepared to live elsewhere, using the supplies from your disaster supply kit, for at least several days, and exercise caution and good judgment in your decision-making about whether or not to return home.

Tornado

Tornadoes, like hurricanes, are violent and can cause widespread destruction and death. However, unlike hurricanes they are more localized, of much shorter duration and intensity (lasting only seconds or minutes as opposed to hours or even days) and can arise suddenly without any warning, thus making them difficult to anticipate or predict. Tornadoes are most common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest and typically occur during the warm weather months. However, they can occur anywhere at any time of year. That is why being tornado-ready is so important.

Preparing (in Advance) for a Tornado

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area; stay tuned for developments and details. Be prepared to possibly seek shelter, preferably underground. A tornado warning means that a tornado is occurring or has been spotted in your area; take shelter immediately.

To prepare:

• Be aware of the likelihood of a tornado in your area. If you’re not sure, contact your local emergency management office, National Weather Service office or local American Red Cross chapter.
• Be familiar with the signs of an approaching tornado and know what a tornado funnel cloud looks like.
• Prepare a family disaster plan and assemble a disaster supply kit. The plan should designate areas of the house to seek safety.
• Conduct periodic tornado drills with your family.
• Keep tree limbs and bushes trimmed; remove dead branches.
• If a storm is coming or is underway, monitor media outlets for the latest developments and safety instructions.

In the event of a tornado:

• Pay attention to local radio broadcasts.
• Look for the warning signs of an approaching tornado: large hail, loud roar (like a freight train), and a dark sky.
• If you notice these signs, take shelter immediately. A basement or storm cellar are among the best places to go. If you cannot go underground, find an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Remain away from outside walls and corners, which attract debris.
• Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.  Do not open windows.
• Consider getting under a large piece of furniture, such as a table, and protect your head and neck.
• If you have enough advance warning and are not in a safe place (such as outdoors, in a vehicle, in a mobile home or trailer), quickly go to a structure with a firm foundation.
• If there’s enough time beforehand, secure or bring in plants, patio furniture, trash cans or any other loose items that can blow away or cause damage or destruction.
• If you live in a mobile home, seek shelter in the basement of a nearby building.
• If you are outdoors, watch for flying debris, and do not go under bridges or overpasses. You are safer in low, flat locations.

After a tornado:

• Avoid downed power lines; they carry the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
• Do not return to a damaged home or local area until local authorities tell you it is safe to do so. The tornado may have downed trees and buildings, making roads impassible, or it may have weakened bridges, leaving them in danger of collapse. Downed power lines, fallen trees and floating debris may present life-threatening dangers, buildings may be unstable or uninhabitable and drinking water may not be safe.

Be prepared to live elsewhere, using the supplies from your disaster supply kit, for at least several days, and exercise caution and good judgment in your decision-making about whether or not to return home.