Blackouts
Usually, rolling blackouts occur when power usage increases, especially during hot weather when many people are using air conditioning to keep cool. Power companies try to give a warning when they will turn off power to an area, but they can not always do that.
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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.
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Drought
In some communities where drought conditions exist, officials may recommend measures to restrict use of water. You should check with your local authorities or water utility for information on water restrictions.
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Earthquakes
Prepare a home earthquake plan. Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
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Fires
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. Carbon Monoxide alarms can save lives, too. Find out more about how to protect yourself from CO poisoning.
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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.
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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.
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Hurricanes
Prepare a personal evacuation plan. Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
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Mudslides
Mudslides are a serious geologic hazard common to almost every state in the United States. It is estimated that nationally they cause up to $2 billion in damages and from 25 to 50 deaths annually.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tsunami
Twenty-four tsunamis have caused damage in the United States and its territories during the last 204 years. Just since 1946, six tsunamis have killed more than 350 people and caused a half billion dollars of property damage.
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Volcanoes
The United States is third in the world, after Japan and Indonesia, for the number of active volcanoes. Since 1980, as many as five volcanoes have erupted each year in the United States.
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Wild Fires
More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire.
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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.
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For general disaster preparedness information, please see our Be Prepared section of the Web site.