Disaster Types

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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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.
»More about Heat Waves.

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.
»More about Hurricanes.
»SEE OUR HURRICANE CENTER

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.
»More about Thunderstorms.

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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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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