Natural Disasters in the United States: How to Prepare and Stay Safe

Natural disasters are unpredictable and often devastating events that can cause severe damage to life, property, and the environment. The United States is prone to various types of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. experienced 22 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2020, the most on record. These disasters resulted in 262 fatalities and $95 billion in economic losses.

The impacts of natural disasters can be reduced by being prepared and taking appropriate actions before, during, and after the event. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common natural disasters in the U.S., how to prepare for them, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Natural Disasters in the United States, Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that form over warm ocean waters and have sustained winds of at least 74 mph. Hurricanes can cause heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, coastal flooding, inland flooding, landslides, and tornadoes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30.

To prepare for a hurricane, you should:

• Know your risk and evacuation zone. Check the [National Hurricane Center] website for the latest forecast and alerts.
• Make an emergency plan and kit. Include items such as water, food, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, phone charger, cash, and important documents. [Ready.gov] has a list of recommended supplies for your kit.
• Protect your home and property. Trim trees and branches, secure outdoor furniture and objects, install storm shutters or plywood, and reinforce doors and windows.
• Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings, and consider flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area.

If a hurricane is approaching, you should:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities. If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and follow the designated routes. If advised to stay at home, stay indoors and away from windows and doors.
• Stay informed. Listen to local radio or TV stations or use the [FEMA app] for updates and emergency information.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid power surges and fire hazards.
• Avoid flooded areas. Do not drive or walk through floodwaters, as they may be contaminated or hide hazards such as debris, downed power lines, or animals.

After a hurricane, you should:

• Check for injuries and provide first aid if needed. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Check for damage and hazards. Be careful of fallen trees, power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. Report any problems to the utility companies or local authorities.
• Avoid drinking tap water until it is confirmed to be safe. Use bottled water or boil water for at least one minute before drinking or cooking.
• Register yourself as safe and contact your family and friends. You can use the [American Red Cross Safe and Well] website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to let others know your status and location.

Natural Disasters in the United States, Tornadoes

Tornadoes are rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground and have winds that can exceed 200 mph. Tornadoes can cause damage to buildings, vehicles, power lines, and crops. They can occur anywhere in the U.S., but are more frequent and intense in the central and southern states, especially in the spring and summer months.

To prepare for a tornado, you should:

• Know the signs and warnings. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, while a tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Look for dark, greenish clouds, large hail, a loud roar, or a funnel-shaped cloud.
• Make an emergency plan and kit. Include items such as water, food, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, phone charger, cash, and important documents. [Ready.gov] has a list of recommended supplies for your kit.
• Identify a safe place to shelter. The best place to shelter is a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows, doors, and corners. If you are in a mobile home, car, or outdoors, seek shelter in a nearby building or lie flat in a low spot and cover your head and neck with your arms or a coat.

If a tornado is approaching, you should:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately and do not leave until the danger has passed.
• Stay informed. Listen to local radio or TV stations or use the [FEMA app] for updates and emergency information.
• Protect yourself from flying debris. Use a mattress, blankets, pillows, or helmets to cover your head and body.

After a tornado, you should:

• Check for injuries and provide first aid if needed. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Check for damage and hazards. Be careful of fallen trees, power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. Report any problems to the utility companies or local authorities.
• Avoid drinking tap water until it is confirmed to be safe. Use bottled water or boil water for at least one minute before drinking or cooking.
• Register yourself as safe and contact your family and friends. You can use the [American Red Cross Safe and Well] website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to let others know your status and location.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are sudden movements of the earth’s crust that cause shaking and vibration. Earthquakes can cause damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and utilities. They can also trigger landslides, tsunamis, and aftershocks. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in the U.S., but are more common and severe in the western states, especially along the [San Andreas Fault] in California.

To prepare for an earthquake, you should:

• Know your risk and fault zones. Check the [U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)] website for the latest seismic activity and maps of fault zones.
• Make an emergency plan and kit. Include items such as water, food, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, phone charger, cash, and important documents. [Ready.gov] has a list of recommended supplies for your kit.
• Protect your home and property. Secure heavy furniture and objects, install latches on cabinets and drawers, and anchor water heaters and gas appliances. Store flammable liquids away from heat sources and potential ignition sources.
• Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings, and consider earthquake insurance if you live in a high-risk area.

If an earthquake occurs, you should:

• Drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. If there is no shelter nearby, cover your head and neck with your arms and stay away from windows, walls, and objects that could fall.
• Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside or to other rooms during an earthquake. If you are in a car, pull over to a clear and safe place and stay inside. If you are outdoors, move to an open and flat area and stay away from buildings, trees, power lines, and bridges.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main earthquake and can cause additional damage and injuries. Stay alert and follow the same procedures as for the main earthquake.

After an earthquake, you should:

• Check for injuries and provide first aid if needed. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Check for damage and hazards. Be careful of fallen trees, power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. Report any problems to the utility companies or local authorities.
• Avoid drinking tap water until it is confirmed to be safe. Use bottled water or boil water for at least one minute before drinking or cooking.
• Register yourself as safe and contact your family and friends. You can use the [American Red Cross Safe and Well] website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to let others know your status and location.

Wildfires

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in forests, grasslands, or other vegetation. Wildfires can be caused by natural factors, such as lightning, or human factors, such as arson, campfires, or cigarettes. Wildfires can spread quickly and unpredictably, and can cause damage to wildlife, habitats, and property. Wildfires can occur anywhere in the U.S., but are more frequent and destructive in the western states, especially in California, Oregon, and Washington.

To prepare for a wildfire, you should:

• Know your risk and fire season. Check the [National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)] website for the latest fire information and outlooks.
• Make an emergency plan and kit. Include items such as water, food, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, phone charger, cash, and important documents. [Ready.gov] has a list of recommended supplies for your kit.
• Protect your home and property. Create a defensible space around your home by clearing flammable vegetation and debris, using fire-resistant materials, and installing smoke alarms and sprinklers. Keep a hose, shovel, rake, and bucket handy for fire emergencies.
• Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings, and consider wildfire insurance if you live in a high-risk area.

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