Dear Citizens,

We live in a different world than we did before September 11, 2001. We are more aware of 

our vulnerabilities, more appreciative of our freedoms and more understanding that we have a 

personal responsibility for the safety of our families, our neighbors and our nation.

Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness provides practical information on how your 

family can prepare for any disaster. It includes up-to-date hazard specific safety tips and 

information about preparedness and protection. In addition to information on most natural and 

technological disasters, there are new chapters on “Animals in Disaster,” “Extreme Heat (Heat 

Wave),” “Landslide & Debris Flow (Mudslide),” “Emergency Water Shortages,” and newly updated 

information on terrorism. 

We know that disaster preparedness works. We can take action now that will help protect 

our families, reduce the impact an emergency has on our lives, and deal with the chaos if an 

incident occurs near us. These actions are at the heart of everything we do at FEMA, and they 

are the reason President George W. Bush established Citizen Corps, a nationwide initiative 

encompassing public education, citizen training and volunteer programs. FEMA’s vision of a 

nation prepared is best achieved by your participation in community and family preparedness so 

that we are all better protected for every disaster. 

Contact your local emergency management office for information about specific hazards in your 

area and to volunteer to help make your community better prepared. 

We know that disaster can strike at any time. We all have a personal responsibility to be ready.

Sincerely,

Joe M. Allbaugh

Director

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Washington, D.C.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? III

Acknowledgement

This guide has been prepared for direct dissemination to the general public 

and is based on the most reliable hazard 

awareness and emergency education information available at the time of publication, 

including advances in scientific knowledge, 

more accurate technical language, and the 

latest physical research on what happens 

in disasters.

This publication is, however, too brief to 

cover every factor, situation, or difference in buildings, infrastructure, or other 

environmental features that might be of 

interest. To help you explore your interest 

further, additional sources of information 

have been compiled in the “For More Information” chapter, beginning on page 97.
IV ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? V

Table of Contents

Why Prepare for a Disaster ........................................ 1

General Preparedness Information ........................... 3

 Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies.................... 4

 Creating a disaster plan ................................................ 4

 Emergency planning for people with special needs....... 5

 Disaster supplies kit ...................................................... 6

 Evacuation..................................................................... 11

 Shelter ........................................................................... 13

 Long-term in-place sheltering......................................... 13

 Staying in a mass care shelter ...................................... 17

 Mitigation....................................................................... 18

 Animals in Disaster ........................................................ 20

 Recovering From Disaster............................................... 23

 Mental health and crisis counseling .............................. 25

Natural Hazards .......................................................... 28

 Floods ............................................................................ 29

 Hurricanes ..................................................................... 33

 Thunderstorms .............................................................. 39

 Lightning ........................................................................ 40

 Tornadoes ...................................................................... 42

 Winter Storms and Extreme Cold ................................... 46

 Extreme Heat (Heat Wave).............................................. 49

 Emergency water shortages .......................................... 51

 Earthquakes .................................................................. 55

 Volcanoes....................................................................... 58

 Landslide and Debris Flows (Mudslides)......................... 61

 Tsunamis ....................................................................... 64

 Fire ................................................................................ 66

 Wildland fires................................................................. 70 

Technological Hazards ............................................... 72

 Hazardous Materials Incidents ....................................... 73

 Household chemical emergencies .................................. 76

 Nuclear Power Plants...................................................... 79

 National Security Emergencies ....................................... 83

 Terrorism........................................................................ 83

 Chemical and biological weapons.................................. 86

 

 
VI ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Table of Contents (cont) Nuclear and radiological attack......................................... 89

 Homeland security advisory system ................................. 94

For More Information .....................................................97

 Citizen Corps....................................................................99

 CERT ..............................................................................99

 Disaster Public Education Websites ...............................100

 Independent Study Courses ...........................................101
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 1

Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year. Each disaster has lasting effects—people 

are seriously injured, some are killed, and 

property damage runs into the billions of 

dollars.

If a disaster occurs in your community, 

local government and disaster-relief organizations try to help you. But you need to 

be ready as well. Local responders may not 

be able to reach you immediately, or they 

may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. 

Being prepared and understanding what 

to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses 

that accompany disasters. Communities, 

families and individuals should know what 

to do in a fire and where to seek shelter in 

a tornado. They should be ready to evacuate their homes, take refuge in public shelters and know how to care for their basic 

medical needs.

People can also reduce the impact of 

disasters (flood proofing, elevating a 

home—or relocating a home out of harm's 

way, securing items that could shake 

loose in an earthquake) and sometimes 

avoid the danger altogether.

You should know how to respond to severe 

weather or any disaster that could occur 

in your area—hurricanes, earthquakes, 

extreme cold, flooding, or an act of terrorism. You should also be ready to be self 

sufficient for at least three days. This may 

mean providing for your own shelter, first 

aid, food, water and sanitation.

This guide can help. It was developed 

by the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency (FEMA), the agency responsible 

for responding to national disasters and 

for helping state and local governments 

and individuals prepare for emergencies. 

It contains step-by-step advice on how to 

prepare for, respond to and recover from 

disasters.

While this guide focuses on the physical 

hazards of disasters, there are also the 

emotional effects of losing a loved one, a 

home, or treasured possessions. When 

under stress, people can become irritable, fatigued, hyperactive, angry and 

withdrawn. Children and older adults 

are especially vulnerable to post-disaster 

psychological effects. 

Share this reference with your household. 

Include everyone in the planning process. 

Teach children how to respond to emergencies. Give them a sense of what to expect. Being prepared, understanding your 

risks and taking steps to reduce those 

risks can reduce the damages caused by 

hazards.

What You Should Do

First, ask your local emergency management office which disasters could strike 

your community. They will know your 

community’s risks. You may be aware of 

some of them; others may surprise you. 

Also ask for any information that might 

Why Prepare for 

a Disaster?
2 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

help you prepare and possibly reduce 

the risks you face. Then, refer to the 

appropriate chapters in this handbook. 

Each chapter covers a specific hazard 

and describes how to prepare and what 

to do when the disaster occurs.

Next, review the “Evacuation,” “Shelter,” 

“Emergency Planning and Disaster 

Supplies” and “Recovering From Disaster” 

chapters. These chapters apply to a range 

of hazards including some not specifically 

addressed in this publication.

Use this guide as your foundation for 

disaster preparedness and safety. Since 

special conditions exist in every community, local instructions may be slightly 

different from those described in this 

guide. If so, follow local instructions.

Consider getting involved in local emergency preparedness and response activities by volunteering in your community. 

One way is to participate as a Citizen 

Corps community volunteer. See the “For 

More Information” chapter for details on 

Citizen Corps and FEMA’s Community 

Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 3

General 

Preparedness 

Information 

EMERGENCY PLANNING

AND DISASTER SUPPLIES

EVACUATION

SHELTER

MITIGATION

ANIMALS IN DISASTER

RECOVERING 

FROM DISASTER
4 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Emergency 

Planning and 

Disaster 

Supplies

Emergency 

Planning

I

mmediately after an emergency, essential services may be cut-off and local 

disaster relief and government responders 

may not be able to reach you right away. 

Even if they could reach you, knowing 

what to do to protect yourself and your 

household is essential. 

This chapter describes how to prepare 

for any kind of disaster. It also provides 

specific information about emergency 

water and food and recommended disaster 

supplies kit.

Creating a disaster plan

One of the most important steps you can 

take in preparing for emergencies is to 

develop a household disaster plan.

 1. Learn about the natural disasters that 

could occur in your community from 

your local emergency management 

office or American Red Cross chapter. 

Learn whether hazardous materials 

are produced, stored or transported 

near your area. Learn about possible 

consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.

 2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response 

plans.

 3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you 

would need to do in an evacuation.

 4. Plan how your household would stay 

in contact if you were separated. 

Identify two meeting places: the first 

should be near your home—in case 

of fire, perhaps a tree or a telephone 

pole; the second should be away from 

your neighborhood in case you cannot 

return home.

 5. Pick a friend or relative who lives out 

of the area for household members to 

call to say they are okay.

 6. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark 

two escape routes from each room. 

 7. Post emergency telephone numbers by 

telephones. Teach children how and 

when to call 911.

 8. Make sure everyone in your household knows how and when to shut off 

water, gas, and electricity at the main 

switches. Do not actually shut off the 

gas to see how it works or to show 

others. Only the gas company can 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 5

safely turn it back on. Consult with 

your local utilities if you have questions.

 9. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local 

American Red Cross chapters can provide information. Official certification 

by the American Red Cross provides 

“good Samaritan” law protection for 

those giving first aid. 

10. Reduce the economic 

impact of disaster on your 

property and your household’s health and financial 

well-being. 

 • Review property insurance policies before 

disaster strikes—make 

sure policies are current and be certain they 

meet your needs (type 

of coverage, amount of 

coverage, and hazard 

covered—flood, earthquake)

 • Protect your household’s financial 

well-being before a disaster strikes—

review life insurance policies and 

consider saving money in an “emergency” savings account that could 

be used in any crisis. It is advisable 

to keep a small amount of cash or 

traveler’s checks at home in a safe 

place where you can quickly gain 

access to it in case of an evacuation. 

 • Be certain that health insurance 

policies are current and meet the 

needs of your household. 

11. Consider ways to help neighbors who 

may need special assistance, such as 

the elderly or the disabled. 

12. Make arrangements for pets. Pets are 

not allowed in public shelters. Service 

animals for those who depend on them 

are allowed.

Emergency planning for people 

with special needs

If you have a disability or special need, 

you may have to take additional steps to 

protect yourself and your household in an 

emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with 

these extra precautions. Examples include:

• Hearing impaired may 

need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.

• Mobility impaired people 

may need assistance in getting to a shelter.

• Households with a single 

working parent may need 

help from others both in 

planning for disasters and 

during an emergency.

• Non-English speaking 

people may need assistance 

planning for and responding to 

emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep 

these populations informed.

 • People without vehicles may need 

to make arrangements for transportation.

 • People with special dietary needs 

should have an adequate emergency 

food supply.

1. Find out about special assistance that 

may be available in your community. 

Register with the office of emergency 

services or fire department for assistance, so needed help can be provided 

quickly in an emergency. 

 2. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you 

in an emergency. Discuss your needs 

and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.

Assemble 

a disaster 

supply kit 

before 

disaster 

strikes.
6 ARE YOU READY?

 3. Discuss your needs with your 

employer.

 4. If you are mobility impaired and live 

or work in a high-rise building, have 

an escape chair.

 5. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark 

accessible exits clearly and to make 

arrangements to help you evacuate the 

building.

 6. Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for 

guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other 

items you might need. Also, keep a 

list of the type and serial numbers of 

medical devices you need.

 7. Those who are not disabled should 

learn who in their neighborhood or 

building is disabled so that they may 

assist them during emergencies.

 8.If you are a care-giver for a person 

with special needs, make sure you 

have a plan to communicate if an 

emergency occurs.

Disaster 

Supply Kits

You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means 

having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or 

duffel bags to keep the supplies together. 

Assembling the supplies you might need 

following a disaster is an important part 

of your disaster plan. You should prepare 

emergency supplies for the following 

situations: 

 • A disaster supplies kit with essential 

food, water, and supplies for at least 

three days—this kit should be kept 

in a designated place and be ready 

to “grab and go” in case you have to 

leave your home quickly because of a 

disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all 

household members know where the 

kit is kept. 

 • Have additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two 

weeks. 

 • You should also have a disaster supplies kit at work. This should be in one 

container, ready to "grab and go" in 

case you have to evacuate the building. 

 • A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored 
ARE YOU READY? 7

in your car at all times. This kit would 

also include flares, jumper cables, and 

seasonal supplies. 

The following checklists will help you 

assemble a disaster supplies kit that 

meets the needs of your household. The 

basic items that should be in a disaster supplies kit are water, food, first-aid 

supplies, tools and emergency supplies, 

clothing and bedding, and specialty items. 

You will need to change the stored water 

and food supplies every six months, so be 

sure to write the date you store it on all 

containers. You should also re-think your 

needs every year and update your kit as 

your household changes. Keep items in 

airtight plastic bags and put your entire 

disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to 

carry containers such as an unused trash 

can, camping backpack or duffel bag.

Water: the absolute necessity

 1. Stocking water reserves should be a 

top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store 

adequate amounts of water for your 

household.

 • Individual needs vary, depending 

on age, physical condition, activity, 

diet, and climate. A normally active 

person needs at least two quarts 

of water daily just for drinking. 

Children, nursing mothers, and ill 

people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of 

water needed. 

 • Because you will also need water for 

sanitary purposes and, possibly, for 

cooking, you should store at least 

one gallon of water per person per 

day.

 2. Store water in thoroughly washed 

plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined 

metal containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass 

bottles. Never use a container that has 

held toxic substances. Sound plastic 

containers, such as soft drink bottles, 

are best. You can also purchase foodgrade plastic buckets or drums. 

 • Containers for water should be 

rinsed with a diluted bleach solution 

(one part bleach to ten parts water) 

before use. Previously used bottles 

or other containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. 

Do not rely on untested devices for 

decontaminating water.

 • If your water is treated commercially 

by a water utility, you do not need to 

treat water before storing it. Additional treatment of treated public 

water will not increase storage life. 

 • If you have a well or public water 

that has not been treated, follow the 

treatment instructions provided by 

your public health service or water 

provider.

 • If you suspect that your well may 

be contaminated, contact your local 

or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific 

advice. 

 • Seal your water containers tightly to 

minimize the possibility of contamination, label them and store them in 

a cool, dark place.

 • It is important to change stored 

water every six months.

For water purification for immediate or 

near term use, please read the “Shelter”

chapter of this guide.

Food: preparing an emergency supply.

 1. If activity is reduced, healthy people 

can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without 

any food for many days. Food, unlike 

water, may be rationed safely, except 

for children and pregnant women.
8 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

shop or search for the supplies you’ll 

need. Your household will cope best by 

preparing for disaster before it strikes.

First aid supplies

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and 

for each vehicle:

 • The basics for your first aid kit should 

include:

 – First aid manual

 – Sterile adhesive bandages in 

assorted sizes

 – Assorted sizes of safety pins

 – Cleansing agents (isopropyl 

alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)/soap/

germicide

 – Antibiotic ointment

 – Latex gloves (2 pairs)

 – Petroleum jelly

 – 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze 

pads (4-6 each size)

 – Triangular bandages (3)

 – 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller 

bandages (3 rolls each)

– Cotton balls

 – Scissors

 – Tweezers

 – Needle

 – Moistened towelettes

 – Antiseptic

 – Thermometer

 – Tongue depressor blades (2)

 – Tube of petroleum jelly or other 

lubricant

 – Sunscreen.

 • It may be difficult to obtain 

prescription medications during a 

disaster because stores may be closed 

or supplies may be limited. Ask your 

physician or pharmacist about storing 

prescription medications. Be sure they 

are stored to meet instructions on the 

label and be mindful of expirations 

dates—be sure to keep your stored 

medication up to date.

 2. You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency 

food supply. You can use the canned 

foods, dry mixes and other staples on 

your cupboard shelves. Canned foods 

do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a 

manual can opener.

 3. Keep canned foods in a dry place where 

the temperature is cool. To protect 

boxed foods from pests and to extend 

their shelf life, store the food in tightly 

closed plastic or metal containers.

 4. Replace items in your food supply 

every six months. Throw out any 

canned good that becomes swollen, 

dented, or corroded. Use foods before 

they go bad, and replace them with 

fresh supplies. Date each food item 

with a marker. Place new items at 

the back of the storage area and older 

ones in front.

 5. Food items that you might consider 

including in your disaster supplies kit 

include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, 

and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods 

like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium 

crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; 

vitamins; foods for infants or persons 

on special diets; cookies, hard candy; 

instant coffee, cereals, and powdered 

milk.

You may need to survive on your own 

after a disaster. Local officials and relief 

workers will be on the scene after a 

disaster, but they cannot reach everyone 

immediately. You could get help in hours, 

or it may take days. Basic services, 

such as electricity, gas, water, sewage 

treatment and telephones, may be cut 

off for days, even a week or longer. Or 

you may have to evacuate at a moment’s 

notice and take essentials with you. You 

probably won’t have the opportunity to 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 9

 • Extra pair of prescription glasses or 

contact lens.

 • Have the following nonprescription 

drugs in your disaster supplies kit:

 – Aspirin and nonaspirin pain 

reliever

 – Antidiarrhea medication

 – Antacid (for stomach upset)

 – Syrup of ipecac (use to induce 

vomiting if advised by the poison 

control center)

 – Laxative

 – Vitamins.

Tools and emergency supplies

It will be important to assemble these 

items in a disaster supplies kit in case 

you have to leave your home quickly. 

Even if you don't have to leave your home, 

if you lose power it will be easier to have 

these item already assembled and in one 

place.

 • Tools and other items:

 – A portable, battery-powered radio 

or television and extra batteries 

(also have a NOAA weather radio, 

if appropriate for your area)

 – Flashlight and extra batteries

 – Signal flare

 – Matches in a waterproof container 

(or waterproof matches)

 – Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel and 

other tools

 – Duct tape and scissors

 – Plastic sheeting

 – Whistle

 – Small canister, A-B-C-type fire 

extinguisher

 – Tube tent

 – Compass

 – Work gloves

 – Paper, pens, and pencils

 – Needles and thread

 – Battery-operated travel alarm 

clock

 • Kitchen items:

 – Manual can opener

 – Mess kits or paper cups, plates, 

and plastic utensils

 – All-purpose knife

 – Household liquid bleach to treat 

drinking water

 – Sugar, salt, pepper

 – Aluminum foil and plastic wrap

 – Re-sealing plastic bags

 – If food must be cooked, small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel

 • Sanitation and hygiene items:

 – Washcloth and towel

 – Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, 

liquid detergent

 – Tooth paste, toothbrushes, 

shampoo, deodorants, comb and 

brush, razor, shaving cream, lip 

balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, 

contact lens solutions, mirror, 

feminine supplies

 – Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags 

and ties—for personal sanitation 

uses—and toilet paper

 – Medium-sized plastic bucket with 

tight lid

 – Disinfectant and household 

chlorine bleach

 – Consider including a small shovel 

for digging a latrine

 • Household documents and contact 

numbers:

 – Personal identification, cash 

(including change) or traveler's 

checks, and a credit card

 – Copies of important documents: 

birth certificate, marriage 

certificate, driver's license, social 

security cards, passport, wills, 

deeds, inventory of household 

goods, insurance papers, 

immunizations records, bank and 

credit card account numbers, 

stocks and bonds. Be sure to store 

these in a watertight container.
10 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 – Emergency contact list and phone 

numbers

 – Map of the area and phone 

numbers of place you could go

 – An extra set of car keys and house 

keys. 

Clothes and bedding

 • One complete change of clothing and 

footwear for each household member. 

Shoes should be sturdy work shoes 

or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, 

extra socks, extra underwear, thermal 

underwear, sunglasses.

 • Blankets or a sleeping bag for each 

household member, pillows.

Specialty items

Remember to consider the needs of 

infants, elderly persons, disabled persons, 

and pets and to include entertainment 

and comfort items for children.

 • For baby

 • For the elderly

 • For pets

 • Entertainment: books, games, quiet 

toys and stuffed animals.

It is important for you to be ready, 

wherever you may be when disaster 

strikes. With the checklists above you can 

now put together an appropriate disaster 

supplies kit for your household:

 • A disaster supplies kit kept in the 

home with supplies for at least three 

days;

 • Although it is unlikely that food 

supplies would be cut off for as 

long as two weeks, consider storing 

additional water, food, clothing and 

bedding other supplies to expand your 

supply kit to last up to two weeks.

 • A work place disaster supplies kit. It is 

important to store a personal supply 

of water and food at work; you will not 

be able to rely on water fountains or 

coolers. Women who wear high-heels 

should be sure to have comfortable 

flat shoes at their workplace in case 

an evacuation requires walking long 

distances.

 • A car disaster supplies kit. Keep 

a smaller disaster supplies kit in 

the trunk of you car. If you become 

stranded or are not able to return 

home, having these items will help 

you survive and be more comfortable 

until help arrives. Add items for severe 

winter weather during months when 

heavy snow or icy roads are possible—

salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter 

clothing, including hats and gloves.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 11

Evacuation

Evacuations are more common than 

many people realize. Hundreds of 

times each year, transportation 

and industrial accidents release harmful 

substances, forcing thousands of people 

to leave their homes. Fires and floods 

cause evacuations even more frequently. 

And almost every year, people along the 

Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the 

face of approaching hurricanes.

When community evacuations 

become necessary, local officials provide information to 

the public through the media. 

In some circumstances other 

warning methods, such as 

sirens or telephone calls, are 

also used. Government agencies, the American Red Cross, 

Salvation Army, and other 

disaster relief organizations 

provide emergency shelter and 

supplies. To be prepared for 

an emergency, you should have enough 

water, food, clothing and emergency 

supplies to last at least three days and a 

disaster supplies kit. In a catastrophic 

emergency, you might need to be self-sufficient for even longer.

The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster. If the 

event can be monitored, like a hurricane, 

you might have a day or two to get ready. 

However, many disasters allow no time for 

people to gather even the most basic necessities. This is why you should prepare 

now.

Planning for evacuation

 1. Ask your local emergency management office about community evacuation plans. Learn evacuation routes. 

If you do not own a car, make transportation arrangements with friends or 

your local government.

 2. Talk with your household about the 

possibility of evacuation. Plan where 

you would go if you had to leave the 

community. Determine how you 

would get there. In your planning, 

consider different levels of evacuations. In a hurricane, for example, 

entire counties would evacuate, while 

much smaller area would be affected 

by a chemical release.

3. Plan a place to meet your 

household in case you are 

separated from one another 

in a disaster. Ask a friend 

outside your town to be the 

“checkpoint” so that everyone 

in the household can call that 

person to say they are safe.

4. Find out where your children will be sent if schools are 

evacuated. 

 5. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, food, water and 

clothing. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter 

for a complete list. 

 6. Keep fuel in your car if an evacuation 

seems likely. Gas stations may be 

closed during emergencies and unable 

to pump gas during power outages. 

 7. Know how to shut off your residence’s 

electricity, gas and water supplies 

at main switches and valves. Have 

the tools you would need to do this 

(usually adjustable pipe and crescent 

wrenches). Do not actually shut off the 

gas to see how it works or to show others. Only the gas comapny can safely 

turn it back on.

Keep fuel in 

your car if

evacuation

seems likely.

Gas stations

may be closed

during

emergencies.
12 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do when you 

are told to evacuate

Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions. If the danger is a 

chemical release and you are instructed to 

evacuate immediately, gather your household and go. Take one car per household 

when evacuating. This will keep your 

household together and reduce traffic congestion and delay. In other cases, you may 

have time to follow these steps:

 1. Gather your disaster supplies kit and 

other important items such as insurance and financial records. See the 

"Emergency Planning and Disaster 

Supplies" chapter for important information.

 2. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that 

provides some protection, such as long 

pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.

 3. Secure your home. Close and lock 

doors and windows. Unplug electronic equipment such as radios and 

televisions and small appliances such 

as toasters and microwaves. (Freezers and refrigerators should be left 

plugged in.) If a hard freeze is likely 

during your absence, take actions 

needed to prevent damage to water 

pipes by freezing weather, such as: 

 • Turn off water main.

 • Drain faucets. 

 • Turn off inside valves for external 

faucets and open the outside faucets to drain. 

 4. Turn off the main water valve and 

electricity, if instructed to do so.

 5. Let others know where you are going.

 6. Leave early enough to avoid being 

trapped by severe weather.

 7. Follow recommended evacuation 

routes. Do not take shortcuts. They 

may be blocked. Be alert for washedout roads and bridges. Do not drive 

into flooded areas. Stay away from 

downed power lines.

Disaster situations can be intense, 

stressful, and confusing. Should an 

evacuation be necessary, local authorities will do their best to notify the 

public, but do not depend entirely on 

this. Often, a disaster can strike with 

little or no warning, providing local authorities scant time to issue an evacuation order. Also, it is possible that 

you may not hear of an evacuation 

order due to communications or power 

failure or not listening to your battery-powered radio. Local authorities 

and meteorologists could also make 

mistakes, including underestimating 

an emergency or disaster situation. In 

the absence of evacuation instructions 

from local authorities, you should 

evacuate if you feel you and your 

household are threatened or endangered. Use pre-designated evacuation 

routes and let others know what you 

are doing and your destination. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 13

Shelter

Taking shelter is often a critical 

element in protecting yourself and 

your household in times of disaster. 

Sheltering can take several forms. In-place 

sheltering is appropriate when 

conditions require that you 

seek protection in your home, 

place of employment, or other 

location where you are located 

when disaster strikes. Inplace sheltering may either be 

short-term, such as going to a 

safe room for a fairly short period while a tornado warning 

is in effect or while a chemical 

cloud passes. It may also be 

longer-term, as when you stay 

in your home for several days 

without electricity or water 

services following a winter storm. We also 

use the term “shelter” for Mass Care facilities that provide a place to stay along with 

food and water to people who evacuate 

following a disaster.

The appropriate steps to take in preparing for and implementing short-term 

Be sure 

everyone in 

your household 

knows where 

to find shelter 

from all 

hazards that 

effect your 

area.

in-place sheltering depend entirely on the 

emergency situation. For instance, during a tornado warning you should go to 

an underground room, if such a room is 

available. During a chemical release, on 

the other hand, you should seek shelter 

in a room above ground level. Because 

of these differences, short-term in-place 

shelter is described in the chapters dealing 

with specific hazards. See the chapters on 

“Thunderstorms” and “Hazardous Materials Incidents” for more information. The 

remainder of this chapter describes steps 

you should take to prepare for long-term 

in-place sheltering and for staying in a 

mass care shelter if you evacuate.

Long-term in-place sheltering

Sometimes disasters make it unsafe for people 

to leave their residence. Winter storms, floods, 

and landslides may temporarily isolate individual family members and make it necessary for each household to take care of its 

own needs until the disaster abates. Your 

household should be prepared to 

be self-sufficient for three days 

when utilities and access to outside supplies of food and water 

are disrupted.

1. Stay in your shelter until local 

authorities say it’s okay to leave. 

The length of your stay can range 

from a few hours to two weeks.

2. Unless you are alone, 

maintain a 24-hour communications and safety watch. 

Take turns listening for radio broadcasts and monitor 

your tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio. 

Watch for fires.

 3. Assemble an emergency toilet, if 

necessary.

 • Use a garbage container, pail or bucket 

with a snug-fitting cover. If the 
14 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 container is small, use a larger container with a cover for waste disposal. Line both containers with plastic 

bags.

 • After each use, pour or sprinkle 

a small amount of regular household disinfectant, such as chlorine 

bleach, into the container to reduce 

odors and germs.

Managing water supplies 

Water is critical for survival. Plan to have 

about one gallon of water per 

person per day for drinking, 

cooking and personal hygiene. You may need more 

for medical emergencies.

 1. Allow people to drink 

according to their need. 

The average person 

should drink at least 

two quarts of water or 

other liquids per day, but 

many people need more. 

This will depend on age, 

physical activity, physical condition and time of 

year.

 2. Never ration water unless ordered to 

do so by authorities. Drink the amount 

you need today and try to find more 

for tomorrow. Under no circumstances 

should a person drink less than one 

quart of water each day. You can minimize the amount of water your body 

needs by reducing activity and staying 

cool. 

 3. Drink water that you know is not contaminated first. If necessary, suspicious water, such as cloudy water from 

regular faucets or muddy water from 

streams or ponds, can be used after 

it has been treated. If water treatment 

is not possible, put off drinking suspicious water as long as possible, but do 

not become dehydrated.

 4. In addition to stored water, other 

sources include:

 • Melted ice cubes. 

 • Water drained from the water heater 

faucet, if the water heater has not 

been damaged.

 • Water dipped from the flush tanks 

(not the bowls) of home toilets. Bowl 

water can be used for pets.

• Liquids from canned goods such as fruit 

and vegetable juices.

5. Carbonated beverages 

do not meet drinking-water 

requirements. Caffeinated 

drinks and alcohol dehydrate 

the body, which increases the 

need for drinking water.

6. If water pipes are damaged 

or if local authorities advise 

you, turn off the main water 

valves to prevent water from 

draining away in case the water main breaks. 

 • The pipes will be full of water when 

the main valve is closed.

 • To use this water, turn on the faucet 

at the highest point in your house 

(which lets air into the system).

 • Then draw water, as needed, from 

the lowest point in your house, either a faucet or the hot water tank.

 7. Unsafe water sources include:

 • Radiators.

 • Hot water boilers (home heating 

system). 

 • Water beds (fungicides added to the 

water or chemicals in the vinyl may 

make water unsafe to use).

 • Swimming pools and spas (chemitoo 

The average 

person should 

drink between 

two and twoand-one-half 

quarts of liquids 

per day, but 

many people 

need more.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 15

concals used in them to kill germs are 

centrated for safe drinking, but can be 

used for personal hygiene, cleaning and 

related uses).

Water treatment

Treat all water of uncertain purity before 

using it for drinking, food washing or preparation, washing dishes, brushing teeth 

or making ice. In addition to having a bad 

odor and taste, contaminated water can 

contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid 

and hepatitis.

There are many ways to treat water. None 

is perfect. Often the best solution is a 

combination of methods. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to 

the bottom, or strain them through coffee 

filters or layers of clean cloth.

Following are four treatment methods. 

The first three methods—boiling, chlorination and water treatment tablets—will 

kill microbes but will not remove other 

contaminants such as heavy metals, 

salts, most other chemicals and radioactive fallout. The final method—distillation—will remove microbes as well as most 

other contaminants, including radioactive 

fallout.

Boiling is the safest method of treating 

water.

 • Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and 

parasites. Bringing water to a rolling 

boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms. Let the water cool before drinking.

 • Boiled water will taste better if you put 

oxygen back into it by pouring it back 

and forth between two containers. This 

will also improve the taste of stored 

water.

Chlorination uses liquid chlorine bleach 

to kill microorganisms such as bacteria.

 • Use regular household liquid bleach (4 

to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite) that 

contains no soap or scents. Some containers warn, “Not For Personal Use.” 

You can disregard these warnings if the 

label states sodium hypochlorite as the 

only active ingredient and if you use 

only the small quantities mentioned in 

these instructions. 

 • Add 16 drops of unscented bleach per 

gallon of water, stir and let stand for 

30 minutes. If the water does not taste 

and smell of chlorine at that point, add 

another dose and let stand another 15 

minutes. This treatment will not kill 

parasitic organisms.

 • If you do not have a dropper, use a 

spoon and a square-ended strip of paper or thin cloth about 1/4 inch by 2 

inches. Put the strip in the spoon with 

an end hanging down about 1/2 inch 

below the scoop of the spoon. Place 

bleach in the spoon and carefully tip it. 

Drops the size of those from a medicine 

dropper will drip off the end of the strip.

Water treatment “purification” tablets

release chlorine or iodine. They are inexpensive and available at most sporting 

goods stores and some drugstores. Follow 

the package directions carefully. NOTE:

People with chronic or undiagnosed liver 

or kidney disease may be adversely affected by iodized tablets and may experience worsened health problems as a result 

of ingestion. Iodized tablets are safe for 

healthy, physically fit adults and should 

be used only if you lack the supplies for 

boiling, chlorination and distillation. 

Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the vapor that condenses back to 

water. The condensed vapor may include 

salt or other impurities.

 • Fill a pot halfway with water.

 • Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid 

so that the cup hangs right side up 
16 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

when the lid is upside-down (make sure 

the cup is not dangling into the water).

 • Boil for 20 minutes. The water that 

drips from the lid into the cup is 

distilled.

Managing food supplies

 1. It is important to be sanitary when 

storing, handling and eating food.

 • Keep food in covered containers. 

 • Keep cooking and eating utensils 

clean. 

 • Keep garbage in closed containers 

and dispose outside. Bury garbage, 

if necessary. Avoid letting garbage 

accumulate inside, both for fire and 

sanitation reasons.

 • Keep hands clean. Wash frequently 

with soap and water that has been 

boiled or disinfected. Be sure to 

wash:

 – Before preparing or eating food.

 – After toilet use.

 – After participating in flood cleanup 

activities. 

 – After handling articles contaminated with floodwater or sewage.

 2. Carefully ration food for everyone 

except children and pregnant women. 

Most people can remain relatively 

healthy with about half as much food 

as usual and can survive without any 

food for several days.

 3. Try to avoid foods high in fat and protein, since they will make you thirsty. 

Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole 

grain cereals and canned foods with 

high liquid content. 

 4. For emergency cooking, heat food with 

candle warmers, chafing dishes and 

fondue pots, or use a fireplace. Charcoal grills and camp stoves are for 

outdoor use only.

 5. Commercially canned food can be 

eaten out of the can without warming. 

Before heating food in a can, remove 

the label, thoroughly wash the can, 

and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of one cup of bleach in 

five gallons of water, and open before 

heating. Re-label your cans, including 

expiration date, with a marker. 

 • Do not eat foods from cans that are 

swollen, dented or corroded even 

though the product may look safe to 

eat.

 • Do not eat any food that looks or 

smells abnormal, even if the can 

looks normal.

 • Discard any food not in a waterproof 

container if there is any chance that 

it has come into contact with contaminated floodwater. 

 • Food containers with screw-caps, 

snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop 

bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snapopen, and home canned foods should 

be discarded if they have come into 

contact with floodwater because they 

cannot be disinfected. For infants, 

use only pre-prepared canned baby 

formula. Do not use powdered formulas with treated water.

 6. Your refrigerator will keep foods cool 

for about four hours without power if it 

is left unopened. Add block or dry ice 

to your refrigerator if the electricity will 

be off longer than four hours.

Thawed food usually can be eaten if it 

is still “refrigerator cold,” or re-frozen if 

it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, 

remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.” 

Discard any food that has been at room 

temperature for two hours or more, and 

any food that has an unusual odor, color, 

or texture.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 17

should plan to have your own supplies as 

well—especially water. See the “Emergency 

Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter 

for more details.

 1. Cooperate with shelter managers and 

others staying in the shelter. Living 

with many people in a confined space 

can be difficult and challenging.

 2. Restrict smoking to designated areas 

that are well-ventilated. Ensure that 

smoking materials are disposed of 

safely.

 3. If you go to an emergency shelter, 

remember that alcoholic beverages 

and weapons are prohibited in shelters. Pets, except for service animals, 

are also not allowed in public shelters. 

See “Animals in Disaster” chapter or 

contact your local humane society for 

additional information. 

If you are without power for a long period:

• Ask friends to store your frozen foods in 

their freezers if they have electricity.

• Inquire if freezer space is available in 

a store, church, school, or commercial 

freezer that has electrical service.

• Use dry ice, if available. Twenty-five 

pounds of dry ice will keep a ten-cubicfoot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days. 

Use care when handling dry ice, and 

wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury.

Staying in a mass care shelter

The American Red Cross and Salvation 

Army, assisted by community and other 

disaster relief groups, work with local 

authorities to set up public shelters in 

schools, municipal buildings and churches. While they often provide water, food, 

medicine and basic sanitary facilities, you 
18 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Mitigation

O ne of the most effective means of 

 protection is to take steps to 

make your home and your household safe from the potential effects of 

disaster like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes 

and earthquakes. This is called mitigation. Ideally, mitigation measures are 

implemented before disaster strikes since 

they can help protect your household as 

well as your property. However, even after 

a disaster strikes, actions can be taken 

to avoid or reduce the impact of the next 

disaster.

 1. If your home was damaged during the 

disaster, consider implementing mitigation measures while you repair your 

home.

 2. Be sure that all upgrade construction 

projects comply with local building 

codes that pertain to seismic, flood, 

fire and wind hazards. Make sure 

your contractors follow the codes, 

including periodic building inspections 

of the construction.

 3. If you live in a flood-prone area, 

consider purchasing flood insurance 

to reduce your risk to floods. Buying 

flood insurance to cover the value of a 

building and its contents will not only 

provide greater peace of mind, but will 

also speed recovery if a flood occurs. 

You can call #1-888-FLOOD29 to 

learn more about flood insurance.

Also consider options for reducing 

your future flood losses (see Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways 

to Protect Your House From Flooding, 

FEMA Publication # 312). The appropriate flood mitigation measure will 

depend upon the degree of flood risk 

to which your home is subject.

For moderate degrees of flooding, incorporating floodproofing techniques 

to meet National Flood Insurance 

Program criteria may be the most 

practical approach to flood damage 

reduction. These techniques include 

taking the following steps to protect 

your utilities from flood damages.

 • Relocating electric, telephone and 

cable lines to the upper level of your 

home.

 • Putting heating, ventilation and 

air conditioning units in the upper 

story or the attic. 

 • Anchoring or bolting oil tanks to 

prevent flotation.

If the homes within your community 

have a history of severe, repetitive, 

flooding, it may be necessary to consider more substantial measures. 

Consider the following measures:

 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 19

 • Elevate the structure to or above the 

Base Flood Elevation.

 • Relocate the structure to a new 

site located outside of the 100-year 

floodplain, outside of any regulatory 

erosion zones, and in conformance 

with any other applicable state or 

local land use regulations.

In areas prone to severe flooding, it 

may be appropriate to work directly 

with your local emergency management official to develop a communitybased approach. Additionally, your 

local representative will be able to 

identify potential federal, state, and/or 

local funding sources for the implementation of elevation, acquisition 

or relocation activities. For example, 

FEMA offers three state-administered 

grant programs to help States and local governments significantly reduce 

or permanently eliminate future flood 

losses: the Hazard Mitigation Grant 

Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance 

Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation 

Program. Individuals may not apply 

directly to the state or FEMA, but local governments or private non-profit 

organizations may apply on behalf of 

local citizens. 

4. If you live in an area prone to high 

winds, make sure your roof is firmly 

secured to the main frame of the 

residence. 

Consider building a wind “Safe Room 

or Shelter” in your home to protect 

your household (see the “Tornadoes” 

section in the “Thunderstorms” chapter). There are several additional steps 

you can take to reduce wind damages 

and losses, including the following:

 • Purchase storm shutters for exterior 

windows and doors to protect your 

home against high winds.

 • When putting new roof shingles on 

your house, remove the old shingles, 

add more nails to the roof boards and 

use high-wind resistant shingles.

 • Add hurricane clips to your house 

rafters.

 • Garage door failure can lead to 

increased damage to other parts of 

the house. Wide garage doors are 

especially vulnerable to damage. 

Ask your garage door installer for a 

garage door rated for high winds.

 5. If you live in an area likely to have an 

earthquake, consider the following to 

reduce damages and losses and to increase personal safety:

 • Inspect your foundation, or have a 

contractor do so, to make sure your 

house is bolted to the foundation.

 • Inspect your cripple wall, or have a 

contractor do so, and have it reinforced, if necessary.

 • Move heavy or breakable objects to 

low shelves.

 • Use straps or other restraints to secure tall cabinets, bookshelves, large 

appliances, (especially water heater, 

furnace, and refrigerator), and light 

fixtures to prevent damage and injury.

 6. Determine ways to mitigate other types 

of hazards in your home, such as installing a fire sprinkler system.

 7. Obtain information specific to your 

area and home. Ask local emergency 

management, fire and police depart-
20 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Animals 

in Disaster

Disaster disrupts and affects everything in its path, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. The following section provides general 

guidelines for handling animals in emergency and disaster situations.

Pets in disaster

Pets need to be included in 

your household disaster plan 

since they depend on you for 

their safety and well being. It 

is important to consider and plan for your 

pets before disaster strikes. Consider the 

following preparedness measures:

 1. Do not leave pets behind—there is a 

chance they may not survive, or get 

lost before you return. Do not, however, endanger yourself or your family 

by trying to find and gather pets during life-threatening disaster situations 

where you have been instructed to 

evacuate.

 2. With the exception of service animals, 

pets are not typically permitted in 

emergency shelters for the health and 

safety of other occupants. 

 3. Find out before a disaster which local 

hotels and motels allow pets and where 

pet boarding facilities are located. Be 

sure to include some outside your local 

area in case local facilities have closed. 

 4. Know that most boarding facilities 

require veterinarian records to prove 

vaccinations are current. 

 5. Only some animal shelters will provide 

care for pets during emergency and disaster situations. They should be used 

as a last resort. Depend on friends 

and family or keep pets with you. 

 6. Be sure your pet has proper identification tags securely fastened to the 

collar. A current photo of your pet will 

assist identification should it become 

necessary.

7. Make sure you have a secure pet carrier or leash for 

your pet—they may need to be 

restrained during tense emergency situations. 

8. Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your pet. Include 

pet food, water, medications, 

veterinary records, litter box, 

can opener, food dishes, first 

Be sure to 

include your 

pets in your 

household 

disaster plan.

ments, zoning and building offices, 

the American Red Cross, hardware 

dealers, home inspectors, structural 

engineers and architects for technical 

information on these and other mitigation measures.

 8. Check the list of available publications 

from FEMA mentioned in this section 

and at the end of this guide.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 21

aid kit, other supplies that may not be 

available at a later time, and an information sheet with pet’s name and such 

things as behavior problems. Provide 

the kit to whomever assumes responsibility for your pet during a disaster.

 9. Call your local emergency management 

office, animal shelter or animal control 

office for further information. 

Large animals in disaster

If you have large animals, such as horses, 

cattle, sheep, goats or pigs 

on your property, be sure to 

prepare before a disaster. 

 1. Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out 

primary and secondary 

routes in advance. 

 2. Evacuation destinations 

should be prepared with, 

or be able to obtain, food, 

water, veterinary care, 

and handling equipment.

 3. Vehicles and trailers 

needed for transporting 

and supporting each type of animal 

should be available along with experienced handlers and drivers. It is best 

to allow animals a chance to become 

accustomed to vehicular travel so they 

are less frightened and easier to move. 

 4. In case evacuation is not possible, 

animal owners must decide whether to 

move large animals to shelter or turn 

them outside. This decision should 

be based on the disaster type, quality 

and location of shelter, and the risks of 

turning them outside.

 5. All animals should have some form of 

identification.

Wildlife in disaster

Disaster and life threatening situations 

will exacerbate the unpredictable nature of 

wild animals. To protect yourself and your 

household, learn how to deal with wildlife.

 1. Be cautious approaching wild animals 

during emergency situations. Do not 

corner or try to rescue them. Wild 

animals will likely feel threatened and 

may endanger themselves by dashing 

off into floodwaters, fire, etc.

 2. If wild animals are trapped or no natural food source is available, 

you can leave food appropriate to individual animals 

(i.e., animals could become 

trapped on an “island” after 

seeking high ground as floodwaters rise).

3. Wild animals such as 

snakes, opossums, and raccoons often seek refuge from 

floodwaters on upper levels of 

homes and have been known 

to remain after water recedes. 

If you encounter animals in 

this situation—open a window 

or other escape route and the animal 

will likely leave on its own. Do not attempt to capture or handle the animal. 

Should the animal stay, call your local 

animal control office or wildlife resource office.

 4. If you see an injured or stranded 

animal, do not approach or attempt to 

help. Call your local animal control 

office or wildlife resource office.

 5. Animal carcasses can present serious health risks. Contact your local emergency management office or 

health department for specific help and 

instructions.

With the 

exception 

of service 

animals, pets 

are generally 

not permitted 

in emergency 

shelters for 

health reasons.
22 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Animals after disaster

Wild or stray domestic animals can pose 

a danger during or after many types of 

disaster. Remember, most animals are disoriented and displaced, too. Do not corner 

an animal. If an animal must be removed, 

contact authorities at your local animal 

control office or wildlife resource office.

If any animal bites you, seek immediate 

medical attention. If a snake bites you, try 

to accurately identify the type of snake so 

that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom 

can be administered. Do not cut the 

wound or attempt to suck the venom out.

Certain animals may carry rabies. Although the virus is rare, care should be 

taken to avoid contact with stray animals 

and rodents. Health departments can provide information on the types of animals 

that carry rabies in your area. Be sure that 

your pet's vaccinations are current.

Rats may also be a problem during and 

after many types of disaster. Be sure to 

secure all food supplies and contact your 

local animal control authorities to remove 

any animal carcasses in the vicinity.

Food, feed and water that has been exposed to floodwaters or airborne contaminants should never be offered to animals. 

This type of food may harbor dangerous 

bacteria, molds or chemicals. Call your local veterinarian or County Extension Agent 

for more information.

Contact your local emergency manager 

for more information on animals in disaster. The American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) and the 

United State Department of Agriculture 

(www.aphis.usda.gov) can also be reached 

for additional information.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 23

Recovering 

from Disaster 

This chapter offers some general 

advice on steps to take after disaster 

strikes to begin putting your home, 

your community, and your life back to 

normal.

Health and safety

Your first concern after a disaster is your 

household’s health and safety.

 1. Be aware of new hazards created by 

the disaster. Watch for washed out 

roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas 

leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and 

slippery floors.

 2. Be aware of exhaustion. 

Don’t try to do too much 

at once. Set priorities 

and pace yourself. 

 3. Drink plenty of clean 

water. Eat well and get 

enough rest.

 4. Wear sturdy work boots 

and gloves. Wash your 

hands thoroughly with 

soap and clean water often when working in debris.

 5. Inform local authorities about health 

and safety hazards, including chemical 

spills, downed power lines, washed out 

roads, smoldering insulation or dead 

animals.

Returning to a damaged home

Returning to a damaged home can be both 

physically and mentally challenging. Above 

all, use caution.

 1. Keep a battery-powered radio with 

you so you can listen for emergency 

updates.

 2. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.

 3. Before going inside, walk carefully 

around the outside of your home and 

check for loose power lines, gas leaks 

and structural damage. If you smell 

gas, do not enter the home and leave 

immediately. Do not enter if floodwaters remain around the building. If 

you have any doubts about safety, 

have your home inspected by a professional before entering.

 4. If your home was damaged by fire, do 

not enter until authorities say it is safe. 

 5. Check for cracks in the roof, foundation and chimneys. If it looks like the 

building may collapse, leave 

immediately. 

6. A battery-powered flash

light is the best source of 

light for inspecting a damaged home. CAUTION: The 

flashlight should be turned on 

outside before entering a damaged home—the battery may 

produce a spark that could 

ignite leaking gas, if present. 

7. If you smell gas or hear a 

hissing or blowing sound, open 

a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from 

the outside, if you can. Call the gas 

company from a neighbor’s residence. 

If you shut off the gas supply at the 

main valve, you should contact the gas 

company to turn it back on.

8. Check the electrical system where visible and accessible. If you see sparks, 

broken or frayed wires, or if you smell 

hot insulation, turn off the electricity 

at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. 

If, however, you are wet, standing in 

water or unsure of your safety, do not 

After an 

emergency, 

continue to 

listen for news 

on where to 

get help from 

disaster relief 

organizations 

and government 

agencies.
24 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

touch anything electrical. Rather, 

leave the building and call for help.

 9. Do not use oil, gas lanterns, candles 

or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there 

is no leaking gas or other flammable 

materials present. Do not smoke. Do 

not turn on the lights until you’re sure 

they’re safe to use.

10. Enter the home carefully and check for 

damage. Be aware of loose boards and 

slippery floors. 

11. Watch out for animals, especially 

poisonous snakes. Use 

a stick to poke through 

debris.

12. Check appliances. If 

appliances are wet, turn 

off the electricity at the 

main fuse box or circuit 

breaker. Then unplug 

appliances and let them 

dry out. Have appliances 

checked by a professional 

before using them again. 

Also have the electrical 

system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on. 

13. Check the water and sewage systems. 

If pipes are damaged, turn off the main 

water valve.

14. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches 

and gasoline. Open cabinets carefully. 

Be aware of objects that may fall.

15. Try to protect your home from further 

damage. Open windows and doors to 

get air moving through. 

16. Clean and disinfect everything that got 

wet. Mud left behind by floodwaters 

can contain sewage and chemicals.

17. If your basement has flooded, pump it 

out gradually (about one third of the 

water per day) to avoid damage. The 

walls may collapse and the floor may 

buckle if the basement is pumped out 

while the surrounding ground is still 

waterlogged.

18. Check with local authorities before using any water; it could be contaminated. Wells should be pumped out and 

the water tested by authorities before 

drinking.

19. Throw out fresh food, cosmetics, and 

medicines that have come into contact 

with floodwaters. 

20. Check refrigerated food 

for spoilage—your power supply may have been disrupted 

during the emergency. Throw 

out all spoiled food and any 

food that you suspect might 

be spoiled.

21. Call your insurance agent. 

Take pictures of damages. 

Keep good records of repair 

and cleaning costs.

Getting disaster assistance

Throughout the recovery period, it’s 

important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media sources 

for information about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing and 

financial assistance. Following is general 

information about the kinds of assistance 

that may be available.

Direct assistance to individuals and 

families may come from any number of 

organizations. The American Red Cross is 

often stationed right at the scene to help 

people with their most immediate medical, food and housing needs. Other voluntary organizations, such as the Salvation Army, may also provide food, shelter 

and supplies, and assist in cleanup efforts. 

Seek help from 

professional 

counselors who 

deal with postdisaster stress.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 25

Church groups and synagogues are often 

involved as well.

In addition, social service agencies from local or state governments may be available 

to help people in shelters or provide direct 

assistance to families.

In the most severe disasters, the federal 

government is also called in to help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling (for post-disaster trauma), 

low-interest loans and grants, and other 

assistance. Small businesses and farmers 

are also eligible.

Most federal assistance becomes available 

when the President of the U.S. declares a 

“Major Disaster” for the affected area at 

the request of a state governor. When this 

happens, FEMA may establish a Disaster 

Recovery Center (DRC). A DRC is a facility 

established in, or near to, the community 

affected by the disaster, where persons 

can meet face-to-face with represented 

federal, state and local governments, and 

volunteer agencies to: 

 • Discuss their disaster-related needs.

 • Obtain information about disaster assistance programs.

 • Teleregister for assistance or update 

registration information. 

 • Learn about measures for rebuilding 

that can eliminate or reduce the risk of 

future loss. 

 • Learn how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application, which is also the form used to 

qualify all individuals for low cost loans 

or grants, including those for repair or 

replacement of damaged homes and 

furnishings. 

 • Request the status of their Disaster 

Housing Application. 

Persons can apply for assistance by telephone without going to a DRC by dialing 

1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Mental Health and 

Crisis Counseling

The emotional toll that disaster brings can sometimes be even more devastating than the financial strains of damage 

and loss of home, business or personal 

property. 

Children and the elderly are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters. Even 

individuals who experience a disaster “second hand” through exposure to extensive 

media coverage can be affected. 

Crisis counseling programs often include 

community outreach, consultation, and 

education. FEMA and the state and local governments of the affected area may 

provide crisis counseling assistance to help 

people cope with and recover from disaster. 

If you feel you need assistance—get help. 

Coping with disaster

You need to be aware of signs that indicate 

someone may need help in coping with the 

stress of a disaster.

 1. Things to consider when trying to understand disaster events.

 • Everyone who sees or experiences a 

disaster is affected by it in some way. 

 • It is normal to feel anxious about 

your own safety and that of your 

family and close friends. 

 • Profound sadness, grief and anger 

are normal reactions to an abnormal 

event. 

 • Acknowledging your feelings helps 

you recover. 

 • Focusing on your strengths and abilities will help you to heal. 

 • Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy. 
26 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 • We each have different needs and 

different ways of coping. 

 • It is common to want to strike back 

at people who have caused great 

pain. However, nothing good is accomplished by hateful language or 

actions. 

 2. Signs that adults need crisis 

counseling/stress management assistance.

 • Difficulty communicating thoughts.

 • Difficulty sleeping. 

 • Difficulty maintaining 

balance in their life. 

 • Easily frustrated. 

 • Increased use of drugs/

alcohol. 

 • Limited attention span. 

 • Poor work performance. 

 • Headaches/stomach 

problems. 

 • Tunnel vision/muffled 

hearing. 

 • Colds or flu-like symptoms. 

 • Disorientation or confusion. 

 • Difficulty concentrating. 

 • Reluctance to leave home. 

 • Depression, sadness. 

 • Feelings of hopelessness. 

 • Mood-swings and crying easily.

 • Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt. 

 • Fear of crowds, strangers, or being 

alone. 

3. Ways to ease disaster related stress.

 • Talk with someone about your feelings—anger, sorrow, and other 

emotions—even though it may be 

difficult. 

 • Seek help from professional counselors who deal with post-disaster 

stress.

Do not drop off 

food, clothing or 

any other item 

to a government 

agency or disaster 

relief organization 

unless a particular 

item has been 

requested. 

 • Don’t hold yourself responsible for 

the disastrous event or be frustrated 

because you feel that you cannot 

help directly in the rescue work. 

 • Take steps to promote your own 

physical and emotional healing by 

staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them. This 

healthy outlook will help you and 

your household (e.g., healthy eating, 

rest, exercise, relaxation, meditation). 

 • Maintain a normal household and 

daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities of 

you and your household. 

• Spend time with family 

and friends. 

• Participate in memorials. 

• Use existing support 

groups of family, friends, and 

church. 

• Establish a family disaster 

plan. Feeling there is something you can do can be very 

comforting. 

Helping children cope 

with disaster 

Disasters can leave children feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Whether a 

child has personally experienced trauma, 

has merely seen the event on television 

or heard it discussed by adults, it is 

important for parents and teachers to be 

informed and ready to help if reactions to 

stress begin to occur.

Children respond to trauma in many different ways. Some may have reactions 

very soon after the event; others may 

seem to be doing fine for weeks or months 

and then begin to show worrisome behavior. Knowing the signs that are common 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 27

at different ages can help parents and 

teachers recognize problems and respond 

appropriately.

Reassurance is the key to helping children 

through a traumatic time. Very young 

children need a lot of cuddling, as well as 

verbal support. Answer questions about 

the disaster honestly, but don’t dwell on 

frightening details or allow the subject to 

dominate family or classroom time indefinitely. Encourage children of all ages to 

express emotions through conversation, 

drawing or painting and to find a way to 

help others who were affected by the disaster. Also, limit the amount of disaster 

related material (television, etc.) your children are seeing or hearing and pay careful 

attention to how graphic it is.

Try to maintain a normal household or 

classroom routine and encourage children to participate in recreational activity. Reduce your expectations temporarily 

about performance in school or at home, 

perhaps by substituting less demanding 

responsibilities for normal chores.

Additional information about how to 

communicate with children can be 

found on the FEMA for Kids website at 

www.fema.gov/kids.

Helping others

The compassion and generosity of the 

American people is never more evident 

than after a disaster. People want to help. 

Here are some general guidelines on helping others after a disaster.

 1. In addition to the people you care for 

on a day-to-day basis, consider the 

needs of your neighbors and people 

with special needs. 

2. If you want to volunteer, check with 

local organizations or listen to local 

news reports for information about 

 where volunteers are needed. Until volunteers are specifically requested, stay 

away from disaster areas.

 3. If you are needed in a disaster area, 

bring your own food, water and emergency supplies. This is especially 

important in cases where a large area 

has been affected and emergency 

items are in short supply.

 4. Do not drop off food, clothing or any 

other item to a government agency or 

disaster relief organization unless a 

particular item has been requested. 

Normally these organizations do not 

have the resources to sort through the 

donated items. 

 5. You can give a check or money order 

to a recognized disaster relief organization. These groups are organized 

to process checks, purchase what is 

needed and get it to the people who 

need it most.

 6. If your company or organization wants 

to donate emergency supplies, donate 

a quantity of a given item or class of 

items (such as nonperishable food) 

rather than a mix of different items. 

Also, determine where your donation 

is going, how it’s going to get there, 

who’s going to unload it and how it’s 

going to be distributed. Without sufficient planning, much needed supplies 

will be left unused.
28 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Natural 

Hazards

FLOODS

HURRICANES

THUNDERSTORMS

LIGHTNING

TORNADOES

WINTER STORMS

EXTREME HEAT

EMERGENCY WATER 

SHORTAGES

EARTHQUAKES

VOLCANOES

LANDSLIDES/DEBRIS 

FLOWS

TSUNAMIS

FIRE

WILDLAND FIRES
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 29

Floods lying area, near water or downstream from 

a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, 

creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or lowlying ground that appear harmless in dry 

weather can flood. Every state is at risk 

from this hazard. 

What to do before a flood

 1. Know the terms used to describe 

flooding:

 • Flood Watch—Flooding is possible. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio 

or commercial radio or television for 

information. Watches are issued 12 

to 36 hours in advance of a possible 

flooding event.

 • Flash Flood Watch—Flash flooding 

is possible. Be prepared to move to 

higher ground. A flash flood could 

occur without any warning. Listen 

to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio or television for 

additional information.

 • Flood Warning—Flooding is 

occurring or will occur soon. If 

advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 

 • Flash Flood Warning—

A flash flood is occurring. 

Seek higher ground on foot 

immediately. 

2. Ask local officials whether 

your property is in a floodprone or high-risk area. (Remember 

that floods often occur outside highrisk areas.) Ask about official flood 

warning signals and what to do when 

you hear them. Also ask how you can 

protect your home from flooding. 

 3. Identify dams in your area and 

determine whether they pose a hazard 

to you. 

Floods are one of the most common 

hazards in the U.S. However, all 

floods are not alike. Some floods 

develop slowly, sometimes over a period of 

days; however, flash floods 

can dvelop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, 

and without any visible signs 

of rain. Flash floods often 

have a dangerous wall of 

roaring water that carries a 

deadly cargo of rocks, mud 

and other debris and can 

sweep away most things in 

its path. Overland flooding 

occurs outside a defined river 

or stream, such as when a 

levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur from a dam 

breaks, producing effects similar to flash 

floods.

Flood effects can be very local, impacting a 

neighborhood or community, or very large, 

effecting entire river basins and multiple 

states.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where 

you live, but especially if you live in a lowGo to higher 

ground during 

floods. Moving 

water only 

6 inches deep 

can knock you 

off your feet. 
30 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 4. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio 

with battery backup and a tone-alert 

feature that automatically alerts you 

when a Watch or Warning is issued 

(tone alert not available in some areas). 

Purchase a battery-powered commercial radio and extra batteries.

 5. Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your 

community’s flood evacuation routes 

and where to find high ground. See

the “Evacuation” chapter 

for important information.

 6. Talk to your household 

about flooding. Plan for a 

place to meet your household in case you are separated from one another 

and cannot return home. 

Choose an out-of-town 

contact for everyone to 

call to say they are safe. 

In some emergencies, 

calling out-of-state is possible even when local phone lines are 

down.

 7. Determine how you would care for 

household members who may live 

elsewhere but might need your help in 

a flood. Determine any special needs 

your neighbors might have.

 8. Prepare to survive on your own for at 

least three days. Assemble a disaster 

supplies kit. Keep a stock of food and 

extra drinking water. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” 

chapter for more information.

 9. Know how to shut off electricity, gas 

and water at main switches and valves. 

Know where gas pilot lights are located 

and how the heating system works. 

Do not actually shut off the gas to see 

how it works or to show others. Only 

the gas comapny can safely turn it 

back on.

Keep supplies 

on hand for an 

emergency. 

Remember a 

battery operated 

NOAA Weather 

Radio with a tonealert feature and 

extra batteries.

10. Consider purchasing flood insurance. 

 • Flood losses are not covered under 

homeowners’ insurance policies. 

 • FEMA manages the National Flood 

Insurance Program, which makes 

federally-backed flood insurance 

available in communities that agree 

to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future 

flood damage.

• Flood insurance is 

available in most communities 

through insurance agents. 

• There is a 30-day waiting 

period before flood insurance 

goes into effect, so don’t delay. 

• You can buy flood insurance 

even if your building is outside 

of the main flood risk zone.

11. Consider options for 

protecting your property. 

• Make a record of your 

personal property. Take photographs or videotapes of the exterior 

and interior of your home, including personal belongings. Store these 

documents in a safe place.

 • Keep insurance policies, deeds, 

property records and other important 

papers in a safe place, such as a safe 

deposit box, away from your home.

 • Avoid building in a floodplain unless 

you elevate and reinforce your home.

 • Elevate furnace, water heater, 

and electric panel to higher floors 

or the attic if they are susceptible 

to flooding.

 • Install “check valves” in sewer traps 

to prevent flood water from backing 

up into the drains of your home.

 • Construct barriers such as levees, 

berms, and floodwalls to stop floodwater from entering the building. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 31

 • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage. 

 • Call your local building department 

or emergency management office for 

more information.

What to do during a flood

 1. Be aware of flash flooding. If there is 

any possibility of a flash flood, move 

immediately to higher 

ground. Do not wait for 

instructions to move. 

 2. Listen to radio or television stations for local 

information.

 3. Be aware of streams, 

drainage channels, 

canyons and other areas 

known to flood suddenly. 

Flash floods can occur in 

these areas with or without such typical warning 

signs as rain clouds or heavy rain. 

 4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, 

prepare to evacuate:

 • Secure your home. If you have time, 

tie down or bring outdoor equipment 

and lawn furniture inside. Move essential items to the upper floors. 

 • If instructed, turn off utilities at the 

main switches or valves. Disconnect 

electrical appliances. Do not touch

electrical equipment if you are wet or 

standing in water. 

 • Fill the bathtub with water in case 

water becomes contaminated or 

services cut off. Before filling the 

tub, sterilize it with a diluted bleach 

solution (one part bleach to 10 parts 

water). 

5. Do not walk through moving water. 

Six inches of moving water 

can knock you off your feet. 

If you must walk in a flooded 

area, walk where the water 

is not moving. Use a stick or 

pole to check the firmness of 

the ground in front of you. 

6. Do not drive into flooded 

areas. Six inches of water will 

reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot 

of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water can carry 

away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pickups. 

 7. If floodwaters rise around your car, 

abandon the car and move to higher 

ground, if you can do so safely. You 

and your vehicle can be quickly swept 

away as floodwaters rise.

 8. See the “Evacuation” chapter for important information.

If there is any 

possibility of a 

flash flood, move 

immediately to 

higher ground. 

Do not wait for 

instructions to 

move.
32 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do after a flood

 1. Avoid floodwaters. The water may be 

contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw 

sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or 

downed power lines. 

 2. Avoid moving water. Moving water 

only six inches deep can sweep you off 

your feet. 

 3. Be aware of areas where floodwaters 

have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse 

under the weight of a car.

 4. Stay away from downed 

power lines and report 

them to the power company.

 5. Stay away from designated disaster areas 

unless authorities ask for 

volunteers. 

 6. Return home only when 

authorities indicate it is 

safe. Stay out of buildings if surrounded by floodwaters. Use 

extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, 

particularly in foundations. 

 7. Consider your family’s health and 

safety needs:

 • Wash hands with soap and clean 

water if you come in contact with 

floodwaters. 

 • Throw away food that has come in 

contact with floodwaters. 

 • Listen for news reports to learn 

whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.

 • Listen to news reports for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. 

 • Seek necessary medical care at the 

nearest open medical facility. 

 8. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as 

soon as possible. Damaged sewage 

systems are serious health hazards.

9. Contact your insurance 

agent. If your policy covers your claim, an adjuster 

will be assigned to visit your 

home. To prepare:

• Take photos or videotapes 

of your damaged property.

• Separate damaged and 

undamaged belongings.

• Locate your financial 

records.

• Keep detailed records of 

cleanup costs.

10. If your residence has been flooded, 

obtain a copy of Repairing Your 

Flooded Home from the American Red 

Cross. To mitigate future flood damage, 

obtain FEMA's Homeowner's Guide to 

Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your 

House from Flooding. See the "For More 

Information" chapter for how to order 

this and other publications.

11. See the “Recovering From Disaster”

chapter for more information.

There is a 

30-day waiting 

period before 

flood insurance 

goes into 

effect, so 

don’t delay.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 33

Hurricanes and cause extensive damage due to inland 

flooding from trapped water.

Tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away 

from the center of the hurricane; however, 

they also occur near the eye-wall. Typically, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived 

but still pose a threat.

A storm surge is a huge dome of water 

pushed on-shore by hurricane and tropical 

storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25 

feet high and be 50-100 miles wide. Storm 

tide is a combination of the storm surge 

and the normal tide (i.e., a 15 foot storm 

surge combined with a 2 foot normal high 

tide over the mean sea level creates a 17 

foot storm tide). These phenomena cause 

severe erosion and extensive damage to 

coastal areas.

Despite improved warnings and a decrease 

in the loss of life, property damage continues to rise because an increasing number 

of people are living or vacationing near 

coastlines. Those in hurricane-prone 

areas need to be prepared for hurricanes 

and tropical storms.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central 

pressure and damage potential (see chart 

on p.34). Category Three and higher are 

considered major hurricanes, though 

Category One and Two are still extremely 

dangerous and warrant your full attention. 

Inland/freshwater flooding 

from hurricanes 

Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and 

destructive result. Excessive rain can also 

trigger landslides or mud slides, especially 

in mountainous regions. Flash flooding 

can occur due to the intense rainfall. 

Flooding on rivers and streams may persist 

for several days or more after the storm. 

A hurricane is a type of tropical 

cyclone, the generic term for a low 

pressure system that generally 

forms in the tropics. The ingredients for a 

hurricane include a pre-existing weather 

disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds aloft. A 

typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of 

winds near the earth’s surface. 

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal 

areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical 

storms. Although rarely struck by 

hurricanes, parts of the Southwest United 

States and the Pacific Coast experience 

heavy rains and floods each year from 

hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The 

Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 

to November with the peak season from 

mid-August to late October. 

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred 

miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 

miles-per-hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and 

microbursts, create surge along the coast, 
34 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

The speed of the storm and the geography 

beneath the storm are the primary factors 

regarding the amount of rain produced. 

Slow moving storms and tropical storms 

moving into mountainous regions tend to 

produce more rain.

Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost 

their lives from freshwater flooding associated with landfalling tropical cyclones 

than from any other weather hazard related 

to tropical cyclones.

See the “Floods” chapter for more specific 

information on flood related emergencies.

What to do before 

a hurricane

1. Learn the terns used by weather forecasters:

Tropical Depression. An organized 

system of clouds and thunderstorms 

with a defined surface circulation and 

maximum sustained winds of 38 mph 

(33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are 

defined as one-minute average wind 

measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) 

above the surface.

Tropical Storm. An organized system 

of strong thunderstorms with a defined 

surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 knots).

Hurricane. An intense tropical weather 

system of strong thunderstorms with 

a well-defined surface circulation and 

maximum sustained winds of 74 mph 

(64 knots) or higher.

Storm Surge. A dome of water pushed 

on shore by hurricane and tropical 

storm winds.

Storm Tide. A combination of storm 

surge and the normal tide (e.g., a 15-

foot storm surge combined with a 2-foot 

normal tide over the mean sea level 

creates a 17-foot storm tide.)

2. Know the difference between “Watches” 

and “Warnings.”

 • Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch—

Hurricane/tropical storm conditions 

are possible in the specified area, 

usually within 36 hours.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Scale Number Sustained Winds Damage Storm

 (Category) (MPH) Surge

 1 74-95 Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, 

 vegetation and signs. 4-5 feet

 2 96-110 Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, 

 small crafts, flooding. 6-8 feet

 3 111-130 Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying 

 roads cut off. 9-12 feet

 4 131-155 Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees 

 down, roads cut off, mobile homes

 destroyed. Beach homes flooded. 13-18 feet

 5 >155 Catastrophic: Most buildings

 destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. 

 Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. >18 feet
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 35

 • Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning—Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified 

area, usually within 24 hours.

 • Short Term Watches and Warnings—These warnings provide detailed information on specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and 

tornadoes. 

 3. Listen for local radio or television 

weather forecasts. Purchase a NOAA 

Weather Radio with battery backup 

and a tone-alert feature that automatically alerts you when 

a Watch or Warning is 

issued (tone alert is not 

available in some areas). 

Purchase a battery-powered commercial radio 

and extra batteries as 

well because information 

on other events will be 

broadcast by the media.

 4. Ask your local emergency management office 

about community evacuation plans relating to 

your neighborhood. Learn evacuation 

routes. Determine where you would 

go and how you would get there if you 

needed to evacuate. Sometimes alternate routes are desirable.

 5. Talk to your household about hurricane issues. Create a household 

disaster plan. Plan to meet at a place 

away from your residence in case you 

are separated. Choose an out-of-town 

contact for everyone to call to say they 

are safe.

 6. Determine the needs of your household 

members who may live elsewhere but 

need your help in a hurricane. Consider 

the special needs of neighbors, such as 

people that are disabled or those with 

limited sight or vision problems.

 7.Prepare to survive on your own for at 

least three days. Assemble a disaster 

supplies kit. Keep a stock of food and 

extra drinking water. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” 

and “Evacuation” chapters for more 

information.

 8.Make plans to secure your property. 

Permanent storm shutters offer the 

best protection for windows. A second 

option is to board up windows with 

5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and 

ready to install. Tape does not prevent 

windows from breaking.

9. Learn how to shut off utilities and where gas and water 

shutoffs are located. Do not 

actually shut off the gas to 

see how it works or to show 

others. Only the gas comapny 

can safely turn it back on.

10. Have your home inspected 

for compliance with local 

building codes. Many of the 

roofs destroyed by hurricanes 

were not constructed or retrofitted according to building 

codes. Installing straps or 

additional clips to securely fasten your 

roof to the frame structure will substantially reduce roof damage. 

11. Be sure trees and shrubs around your 

home are well trimmed. Dead limbs 

or trees could cause personal injury 

or property damage. Clear loose and 

clogged rain gutters and downspouts. 

12. If you have a boat, determine where to 

secure it in an emergency. 

13. Consider flood insurance. Purchase 

insurance well in advance—there is 

a 30-day waiting period before flood 

insurance takes effect.

14. Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs or videotapes of 

the exterior and interior of your home, 

Create a 

household 

disaster plan. 

Plan to meet your 

family in case you 

are separated. 

Choose an out-oftown contact for 

everyone to call to 

say they are safe.
36 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

including personal belongings. Store these 

documents in a safe place, such as a safe 

deposit box.

What to do during a 

hurricane threat

 1. Listen to radio or television newscasts. 

If a hurricane “Watch” is issued, you 

typically have 24 to 36 hours before 

the hurricane hits land. 

 2. Talk with household members. Make 

sure everyone knows 

where to meet and who to 

call, in case you are separated. Consider the needs 

of relatives and neighbors 

with special needs.

 3. Secure your home. Close 

storm shutters. Secure 

outdoor objects or bring 

them indoors. Moor your 

boat if time permits.

 4. Gather several days’ supply of water and food for 

each household member. 

Water systems may become contaminated or damaged. After 

sterilizing the bathtub and other containers with a diluted bleach solution 

of one part bleach to ten parts water, 

fill them with water to ensure a safe 

supply in case you are unable or told 

not to evacuate. Refer to the “Shelter 

and Emergency Planning” and “Disaster Supplies” chapters for important 

information.

 5. If you are evacuating, take your disaster supplies kit with you to the shelter. 

Remember that alcoholic beverages 

and weapons are prohibited within 

shelters. Also, pets are not allowed in 

a public shelter due to health reasons. 

See the “Animals in Disaster” chapter 

and contact your local humane society 

for additional information.

 6. Prepare to evacuate. Fuel your car—

service stations may be closed after the 

storm. If you do not have a car, make 

arrangements for transportation with 

a friend or relative. Review evacuation 

routes. If instructed, turn off utilities 

at the main valves or switches. 

 7. Evacuate to an inland location, if:

 • Local authorities announce an evacuation and you live in an evacuation 

zone. 

 • You live in a mobile home or temporary structure—they are 

particularly hazardous during 

hurricanes no matter how well 

fastened to the ground. 

• You live in a high-rise. Hurricane winds are stronger at 

higher elevations. 

• You live on the coast, on 

a floodplain near a river or 

inland waterway. 

• You feel you are in danger.

8. When authorities order an 

evacuation:

• Leave immediately. 

• Follow evacuation routes announced by 

local officials. 

 • Stay away from coastal areas, riverbanks and streams. 

 • Tell others where you are going. 

 9. If you are not required or are unable 

to evacuate, stay indoors during the 

hurricane and away from windows and 

glass doors. Keep curtains and blinds 

closed. Do not be fooled if there is a 

lull, it could be the eye of the storm—

winds will pick up again. 

 • If not instructed to turn off, turn the 

refrigerator to its coldest setting and 

keep closed.

 • Turn off propane tanks.

Alcoholic 

beverages and 

weapons are 

prohibited within 

shelters. Also, 

pets are not 

allowed in public 

shelters for 

health reasons.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 37

10. In strong winds, follow these rules:

 • Take refuge in a small interior room, 

closet or hallway.

 • Close all interior doors. Secure and 

brace external doors.

 • In a two-story residence, go to an 

interior first-floor room, such as a 

bathroom or closet.

 • In a multiple-story building, go to 

the first or second floors and stay in 

interior rooms away from windows.

 • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object. 

11. Avoid using the phone 

except for serious emergencies. Local authorities 

need first priority on telephone lines.

12. See the “Evacuation” chapter 

for important information.

What to do after 

a hurricane

 1. Stay where you are if you 

are in a safe location until local authorities say it is safe to leave. If you 

evacuated the community, do not 

return to the area until authorities say 

it is safe to return.

 2. Keep tuned to local radio or television 

stations for information about caring for your household, where to find 

medical help, how to apply for financial 

assistance, etc.

 3. Drive only when necessary. Streets 

will be filled with debris. Roads will 

have weakened and could collapse. 

Do not drive on flooded or barricaded 

roads or bridges. Roads are closed for 

your protection. As little as six inches 

of water may cause you to lose control 

of your vehicle—two feet of water will 

carry most cars away. 

 4. Do not drink or prepare food with tap 

water until notified by officials that it is 

safe to do so. 

 5. Consider your family’s health and safety 

needs. Be aware of symptoms of stress 

and fatigue. Keep your household together and seek crisis counseling if you 

have need. See the “Mental Health and 

Crisis Counseling” section of the “Recovering from Disaster” chapter for more 

information.

6. Talk with your children 

about what has happened and 

how they can help during the 

recovery. Being involved will 

help them deal with the situation. Consider the needs of 

your neighbors. People often 

become isolated during hurricanes.

7. Stay away from disaster 

areas unless local authorities 

request volunteers. If you are 

needed, bring your own drinking water, food and sleeping gear. 

 8. Stay away from riverbanks and 

streams until potential flooding has 

passed. Do not allow children to play 

in flooded areas. There is a high risk 

of injury or drowning in areas that may 

appear safe.

 9. Stay away from moving water. Moving 

water only six inches deep can sweep 

you off your feet. Standing water may 

be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. 

10. Stay away from downed power lines 

and report them to the power company. 

Report broken gas, sewer or water 

mains to local officials.

Consider your 

household’s 

health and 

safety needs 

and be aware 

of symptoms 

of stress and 

fatigue. Seek 

crisis counseling 

if you have need. 
38 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

11. Don't use candles or other open flames 

indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect 

damage.

12. Set up a manageable schedule to repair property.

13. Contact your insurance agent. An 

adjuster will be assigned to visit your 

home. To prepare:

 • Take photos or videotapes of your 

damaged property.

 • Separate damaged and undamaged 

belongings.

 • Locate your financial records.

 • Keep detailed records of cleanup 

costs.

14. Consider building a “Safe Room or 

Shelter” to protect your household. See 

the “Thunderstorms” chapter for additional information in the “Tornadoes” 

section. 

15. See the “Recovering From Disaster” 

chapter for more important information. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 39

Thunderstorms What to do before thunderstorms 

approach

 1. Know the terms used by weather 

forecasters:

 • Severe Thunderstorm Watch— 

Tells you when and where severe 

thunderstorms are likely to occur. 

Watch the sky and stay tuned to radio or television to know when warnings are issued. 

 • Severe Thunderstorm Warning— 

Issued when severe weather has 

been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate 

imminent danger to life and property 

to those in the path of the storm.

 2. Know thunderstorm facts:

 • Thunderstorms may occur singly, 

in clusters, or in lines. 

 • Some of the most severe weather 

occurs when a single thunderstorm affects one location for 

an extended time.

• Thunderstorms typically 

produce heavy rain for a brief 

period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. 

• Warm, humid conditions are 

very favorable for thunderstorm development. 

• A typical thunderstorm is 

15 miles in diameter and lasts 

an average of 30 minutes.

• Of the estimated 100,000 

thunderstorms each year in the 

United States, about 10 percent are 

classified as severe.

 • A thunderstorm is classified as 

severe if it produces hail at least 

three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour 

or higher, or produces a tornado. 

Thunderstorms are very common 

and affect great numbers of people 

each year. Despite their small 

size in comparison to hurricanes and winter storms, 

all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm 

produces lightning. Other 

associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, 

strong winds, hail, and flash 

flooding. Flash flooding is 

responsible for more fatalities— more than 140 annually— than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard.

Some thunderstorms do not 

produce rain that reaches 

the ground. These are generically referred 

to as dry thunderstorms and are most 

prevalent in the western United States. 

Known to spawn wildfires, these storms 

occur when there is a large layer of dry 

air between the base of the cloud and the 

ground. The falling raindrops evaporate, 

but lightning can still reach the ground.

When 

thunderstorms 

threaten your 

area, get inside 

a home, building 

or hard top 

automobile and 

stay away from 

metallic objects 

and fixtures.
40 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 3. Know the calculation to determine how 

close you are to a thunderstorm:

 • Count the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the 

next clap of thunder. Divide this 

number by 5 to determine the distance to the lightning in miles.

 4. Remove dead or rotting trees and 

branches that could fall and cause 

injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

 5. When a thunderstorm approaches, 

secure outdoor objects that could blow 

away or cause damage. 

Shutter windows, if 

possible, and secure 

outside doors. If shutters 

are not available, close 

window blinds, shades, 

or curtains.

Lightning

The ingredient that defines a thunderstorm is 

lightning. Since lightning creates thunder, 

a storm producing lightning is called a 

thunderstorm. 

Lightning occurs during all thunderstorms. Lightning results from the 

buildup and discharge of electrical energy 

between positively and negatively charged 

areas.

The unpredictability of lightning increases 

the risk to individuals and property. In 

the United States, an average of 300 

people are injured and 80 people are killed 

each year by lightning. Although most 

lightning victims survive, people struck 

by lightning often report a variety of 

long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep 

disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness 

in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, 

muscle spasms, depression, and an 

inability to sit for a long period of time. 

When thunderstorms threaten your area, 

get inside a home, building or hard top 

automobile (not a convertible) and stay 

away from metallic objects and fixtures.

 1. If you are inside a home:

 • Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. 

 • Avoid using a corded telephone, 

except for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones 

are safe to use.

• Unplug appliances and 

other electrical items such as 

computers and turn off air 

conditioners. Power surges 

from lightning can cause 

serious damage.

• Use your battery operated 

NOAA Weather Radio for 

updates from local officials.

2. If outside, with no time to reach a safe 

location, follow these recommenations:

 • In a forest, seek shelter in a low 

area under a thick growth of small 

trees. 

 • In open areas, go to a low place 

such as a ravine or valley. Be alert 

for flash floods.

 • Do not stand under a natural lightning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree 

in an open area.

 • Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open 

field, on the beach or in a boat on 

the water.

 • Avoid isolated sheds or other small 

structures in open areas. 

If a Tornado 

Warning 

is issued, 

take shelter 

immediately. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 41

 • Get away from open water. If you 

are boating or swimming, get to land 

and find shelter immediately. 

 • Get away from anything metal— 

tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and 

bicycles. 

 • Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails and other 

metallic paths that could carry 

lightning to you from some distance 

away.

 • If you feel your hair stand on end 

(which indicates that lightning is 

about to strike), squat low to the 

ground on the balls of your feet. 

Place your hands over your ears 

and your head between your knees. 

Make yourself the smallest target 

possible and minimize your contact 

with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on 

the ground.

 3. Remember the following facts and 

safety tips about lightning.

 Facts:

 • Lightning often strikes outside of 

heavy rain and may occur as far as 

10 miles away from any rainfall.

 • Lightning-strike victims carry no 

electrical charge and should be 

attended to immediately. If breathing has stopped, begin mouth-tomouth resuscitation. If the heart has 

stopped, a trained person should 

administer CPR. If the victim has a 

pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns 

where the lightning entered and left 

the body. Be alert also for nervous 

system damage, broken bones, and 

loss of hearing or eyesight. Contact 

your local emergency management 

office or American Red Cross chapter 

for information on CPR and first aid 

classes.

 • “Heat lightning” is actually lightning 

from a thunderstorm too far away for 

thunder to be heard. However, the 

storm may be moving in your direction!

 • Most lightning deaths and injuries 

occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during 

the afternoon and evening. 

 • Many fires in the western United 

States and Alaska are started by 

lightning.

 • Lightning can occur from cloudto-cloud, within a cloud, cloud-toground, or cloud-to-air. 

 • Your chances of being struck by 

lightning are estimated to be 1 in 

600,000 but could be even less by 

following safety tips. 

 Safety Tips:

 • Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely. 

 • Remember the 30/30 lightning 

safety rule – Go indoors if, after 

seeing lighting, you cannot count 

to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay 

indoors for 30 minutes after hearing 

the last clap of thunder. 

 • Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires 

provide NO protection from lightning. 

However, the steel frame of a hardtopped vehicle provides increased 

protection if you are not touching 

metal. Although you may be injured 

if lightning strikes your car, you 

are much safer inside a vehicle than 

outside.
42 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can uproot trees, 

destroy buildings and turn harmless objects 

into deadly missiles. They can devastate a 

neighborhood in seconds.

A tornado appears as a rotating, funnelshaped cloud that extends to the ground 

with whirling winds that can reach 300 

miles per hour. Damage paths can be in 

excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. 

Every state is at some risk from this hazard.

Tornado facts

 1. A tornado is a violently rotating column 

of air extending from a thunderstorm to 

the ground.

 2. Tornadoes are capable of destroying 

homes and vehicles and can cause fatalities. 

 3. Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little 

or no warning.

 4. Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked 

up or a cloud forms in the funnel. The 

average tornado moves SW to NE but 

tornadoes have been known to move in 

any direction.

 5. The average forward speed is 30 mph 

but may vary from stationary to 70 

mph with rotating winds that can 

reach 300 miles per hour. 

 6. Tornadoes can accompany tropical 

storms and hurricanes as they move 

onto land.

 7. Waterspouts are tornadoes that form 

over water. 

 8. Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during 

spring and summer months but can 

occur in any state at any time of year.

 9. In the southern states, peak tornado 

season is March through May, while 

peak months in the northern states are 

during the late spring and early summer.

10. Tornadoes are most likely to occur 

between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can 

occur at any time of the day or night. 

What to do before tornadoes 

threaten

 1. Know the terms used to describe 

tornado threats:

• Tornado Watch— Tornadoes are 

possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky 

and stay tuned to radio or television 

to know when warnings are issued.

• Tornado Warning — A tornado has 

been sighted or indicated by weather 

radar. Take shelter immediately. 

 2. Ask your local emergency management office or American Red Cross 

chapter about the tornado threat in 

your area. Ask about community 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 43

warning signals.

 3. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio 

with a battery backup and tone-alert 

feature that automatically alerts you 

when a Watch or Warning is issued 

(tone alert not available in some 

areas). Purchase a battery-powered 

commercial radio and extra batteries 

as well.

 4. Know the county or parish in which 

you live. Counties and parishes are 

used in Watches and Warnings to 

identify the location of 

tornadoes.

 5. Determine places to seek 

shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. If 

an underground shelter 

is not available, identify 

an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor.

 6. Practice going to your 

shelter with your household.

 7. Know the locations of 

designated shelters in 

places where you and 

your household spend time, such as 

public buildings, nursing homes and 

shopping centers. Ask local officials 

whether a registered engineer or architect has inspected your children’s 

schools for shelter space.

 8. Ask your local emergency manager or 

American Red Cross chapter if there 

are any public safe rooms or shelters 

nearby. See the “Safe Room and Shelter” section at the end of this chapter 

for more information. 

 9. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Keep 

a stock of food and extra drinking 

water. See the “Emergency Planning 

and Disaster Supplies” and “Evacuation” chapters for more information.

10. Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs or videotapes of 

the exterior and interior of your home, 

including personal belongings. Store 

these documents in a safe place, such 

as a safe deposit box.

What to do during a tornado watch

 1. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to 

commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. 

2. Be alert for approaching 

storms. If you see any revolving funnel shaped clouds, 

report them immediately by 

telephone to your local police 

department or sheriff’s office. 

3. Watch for tornado danger 

signs:

• Dark, often greenish sky

• Large hail

• A large, dark, low-lying cloud 

(particularly if rotating)

• Loud roar, similar to a freight 

train

 Caution: 

 • Some tornadoes are clearly visible, 

while rain or nearby low-hanging 

clouds obscure others.

 • Occasionally, tornadoes develop so 

rapidly that little, if any, advance 

warning is possible.

 • Before a tornado hits, the wind may 

die down and the air may become 

very still.

 • A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is 

not visible.

 • Tornadoes generally occur near the 

trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is 

With your household, 

determine where you 

would take shelter 

in case a Tornado 

Warning was issued. 

Storm cellars or 

basements provide 

the best protection. If 

underground shelter 

is not available seek 

shelter in an interior 

room or hallway on 

the lowest floor. 
44 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 not uncommon to see clear, sunlit 

skies behind a tornado.

 4. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such 

as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, supermarkets or shopping malls.

 5. Be prepared to take shelter immediately. Gather household members 

and pets. Assemble supplies to take to 

the shelter such as flashlight, batterypowered radio, water, and 

first aid kit.

What to do during 

a tornado warning

When a tornado has been 

sighted, go to your shelter 

immediately. 

 1. In a residence or small 

building, move to a predesignated shelter, such 

as a basement, storm 

cellar or “Safe Room or 

Shelter.” 

 2. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level (closets, 

interior hallways). Put as many walls 

as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use 

arms to protect head and neck. Stay 

there until the danger has passed.

 3. Do not open windows. Use the time to 

seek shelter.

 4. Stay away from windows, doors and 

outside walls. Go to the center of the 

room. Stay away from corners because 

they attract debris.

 5. In a school, nursing home, hospital, 

factory or shopping center, go to predetermined shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually 

safest. Stay away from windows and 

open spaces. 

 6. In a high-rise building, go to a small, 

interior room or hallway on the lowest 

floor possible. 

 7. Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile 

homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or 

a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even 

if tied down, offer little protection from 

tornadoes. 

8. If caught outside with no 

shelter, lie flat in a nearby 

ditch or depression and cover 

your head with your hands. 

Be aware of potential for 

flooding.

9. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer 

in a low, flat location.

10. Never try to outrun a 

tornado in urban or congested 

areas in a car or truck; instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Tornadoes are erratic and move 

swiftly.

11. Watch out for flying debris. Flying 

debris from tornadoes causes most 

fatalities and injuries.

What to do after a tornado

 1. Look out for broken glass and downed 

power lines.

 2. Check for injuries. Do not attempt to 

move seriously injured persons unless 

they are in immediate danger of death 

or further injury. If you must move an 

unconscious person, first stabilize the 

neck and back, then call for help immediately.

 • If the victim is not breathing, 

carefully position the victim for 

artificial respiration, clear the 

airway and commence mouth-tomouth resuscitation. 

If caught outside 

with no shelter 

when a tornado 

hits, lie flat in 

a nearby ditch 

or depression 

and cover your 

head with your 

hands. Be aware 

of potential for 

flooding. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 45

 • Maintain body temperature with 

blankets. Be sure the victim does 

not become overheated.

 • Never try to feed liquids to an 

unconscious person.

 3. Use caution when entering a damaged 

building. Be sure that walls, ceiling and 

roof are in place and that the structure 

rests firmly on the foundation. Wear 

sturdy work boots and gloves.

 4. See the “Recovering From Disaster” 

chapter for more important information.

Wind “Safe Room and Shelter”

Extreme windstorms in many parts of the 

country pose a serious threat to buildings 

and their occupants.

Your residence may be built “to code,” but 

that does not mean that it can withstand 

winds from extreme events like tornadoes 

or major hurricanes.

The purpose of a wind shelter or “Safe 

Room” is to provide a space where you 

and your household can seek refuge that 

provides a high level of protection. You can 

build a shelter in one of the several places 

in your home:

 • In your basement

 • Beneath a concrete slab-on-grade foundation or garage floor

 • In an interior room on the first floor 

Shelters built below ground level provide the greatest protection, but a shelter 

built in a first-floor interior room can also 

provide the necessary protection. Belowground shelters must be designed to avoid 

accumulating water during the heavy rains 

that often accompany severe windstorms. 

To protect its occupants, an in-house 

shelter must be built to withstand high 

winds and flying debris, even if the rest 

of the residence is severely damaged or 

destroyed. Therefore:

 • The shelter must be adequately anchored to resist overturning and uplift.

 • The walls, ceiling, and door of the shelter must withstand wind pressure and 

resist penetration by windborne objects 

and falling debris.

 • The connections between all parts of the 

shelter must be strong enough to resist 

the wind. 

 • If sections of either interior or exterior 

residence walls are used as walls of the 

shelter, they must be separated from 

the structure of the residence, so that 

damage to the residence will not cause 

damage to the shelter.

If you are concerned about wind hazards 

where you live, especially if you live in 

high-risk areas, you should consider building a shelter. Publications are available 

from FEMA to assist in determining if you 

need a shelter and how to construct a shelter. Contact the FEMA distribution center 

for a copy of Taking Shelter from the Storm

(L-233 for the brochure and FEMA-320 

for the booklet with complete construction 

plans).
46 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Winter Storms 

and 

Extreme Cold

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can 

immobilize an entire region. Even 

areas that normally experience mild 

winters can be hit with a major snowstorm 

or extreme cold. The impacts include 

flooding, storm surge, closed highways, 

blocked roads, downed power lines and 

hypothermia. 

You can protect yourself and your household from the many hazards of winter by 

planning ahead.

What to do before a 

winter storm threatens

 1. Know the terms used by weather 

forecasters:

 • Freezing rain—Rain that freezes 

when it hits the ground, creating a 

coating of ice on roads, walkways, 

trees and power lines.

 • Sleet—Rain that turns to ice pellets 

before reaching the ground. Sleet 

also causes moisture on roads to 

freeze and become slippery.

 • Winter Storm Watch—A winter 

storm is possible in your area.

 • Winter Storm Warning—A winter 

storm is occurring, or will soon occur in your area. 

 • Blizzard Warning—Sustained winds 

or frequent gusts to 35 miles-perhour or greater and considerable 

amounts of falling or blowing snow 

(reducing visibility to less than a 

quarter mile) are expected to prevail 

for a period of three hours or longer. 

 • Frost/Freeze Warning—Below 

freezing temperatures are expected.

 2. Prepare to survive on your own for at 

least three days. Assemble a disaster 

supplies kit. Be sure to include winter specific items such as rock salt to 

melt ice on walkways, sand to improve 

traction, snow shovels and other snow 

removal equipment. Keep a stock of 

food and extra drinking water. See 

the “Emergency Planning and Disaster 

Supplies” and “Evacuation” chapters 

for more information.

 3. Prepare for possible isolation in your 

home:

 • Have sufficient heating fuel; regular 

fuel sources may be cut off. 

 • Have emergency heating equipment 

and fuel (a gas fireplace or a wood 

burning stove or fireplace) so you 

can keep at least one room of your 

residence at a livable temperature. 

(Be sure the room is well ventilated.) 

If a thermostat controls your furnace 

and your electricity is cut off by a 

storm, you will need emergency heat. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 47

Be careful when 

shoveling snow. 

Overexertion 

can bring 

on a heart 

attack. Stretch 

before going 

outside and 

don’t overexert 

yourself.

 • Kerosene heaters are another emergency heating option. Never use any 

fuel other than kerosene in a kerosene heater.

 • Store a good supply of dry, seasoned 

wood for your fireplace or woodburning stove.

 • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and 

make sure your household knows 

how to use them.

 • Never burn charcoal indoors.

 4. Winterize your home to extend the life 

of your fuel supply.

 • Insulate walls and attics. 

 • Caulk and weather-strip 

doors and windows.

 • Install storm windows 

or cover windows with 

plastic.

 5. Maintain several days’ 

supply of medicines, water, and food that needs no 

cooking or refrigeration.

What to do during a winter storm

 1. Listen to your radio, television, or 

NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

 2. Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, 

but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

 3. Dress for the season:

 • Wear several layers of loose fitting, 

lightweight, warm clothing rather 

than one layer of heavy clothing. 

The outer garments should be tightly 

woven and water repellent. 

 • Mittens are warmer than gloves.

 • Wear a hat; most body heat is lost 

through the top of the head.

 • Cover your mouth with a scarf to 

protect your lungs.

 4. Be careful when shoveling snow. 

Over-exertion can bring on a heart 

attack—a major cause of death in 

the winter. If you must shovel snow, 

stretch before going outside and don’t 

overexert yourself.

 5. Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of 

feeling and white or pale appearance 

in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear 

lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help 

immediately

6. Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable 

shivering, memory loss, 

disorientation, incoherence, 

slurred speech, drowsiness 

and apparent exhaustion. If 

symptoms of hypothermia 

are detected, get the victim 

to a warm location, remove 

any wet clothing, warm the 

center of the body first, and 

give warm, non-alcoholic 

beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as 

soon as possible. 

 7. When at home:

• Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily “close off” heat to 

some rooms.

• When using kerosene heaters, 

maintain ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene 

heaters outside and keep them at 

least three feet from flammable 

objects.

Winter driving 

About 70 percent of winter deaths related 

to snow and ice occur in automobiles. 

Consider public transportation if you must 
48 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

travel. If you travel by car, travel in the 

day, don’t travel alone, and keep others 

informed of your schedule. Stay on main 

roads; avoid back-road shortcuts. 

 1. Winterize your car. This includes 

a battery check, antifreeze, wipers 

and windshield washer fluid, ignition 

system, thermostat, lights, flashing 

hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, 

brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires. 

Consider snow tires, snow tires with 

studs, or chains. Keep your car’s gas 

tank full.

 2. Carry a disaster supplies 

“winter car kit” in the 

trunk of your car. The kit 

should include:

 • Shovel

 • Windshield scraper

 • Battery-powered radio

 • Flashlight

 • Extra batteries

 • Water

 • Snack food

 • Mittens

 • Hat

 • Blanket

 • Tow chain or rope

 • Tire chains

 • Bag of road salt and 

sand

 • Fluorescent distress flag

 • Jumper/booster cables

 • Road maps

 • Emergency flares 

 • Cellular telephone or two-way radio, 

if available.

 3. If a blizzard traps you in your car:

 • Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag 

from the radio aerial or window.

 • Remain in your vehicle where 

rescuers are most likely to find you. 

Do not set out on foot unless you 

can see a building close by where 

you know you can take shelter. Be 

careful: distances are distorted by 

blowing snow. A building may seem 

close but be too far to walk to in 

deep snow.

 • Run the engine and heater about ten 

minutes each hour to keep warm. 

When the engine is running, open a 

window slightly for ventilation. This 

will protect you from possible 

carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Periodically clear snow from 

the exhaust pipe. 

• Exercise to maintain body 

heat, but avoid overexertion. 

In extreme cold, use road 

maps, seat covers and floor 

mats for insulation. Huddle 

with passengers and use your 

coat for a blanket. 

• Take turns sleeping. One 

person should be awake at all 

times to look for rescue crews. 

• Drink fluids to avoid 

dehydration.

• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs—the use of 

lights, heat and radio—with supply. 

 • At night, turn on the inside light so 

work crews or rescuers can see you. 

 • If stranded in a remote area, stomp 

large block letters in an open area 

spelling out HELP or SOS and line 

with rocks or tree limbs to attract the 

attention of rescue personnel who 

may be surveying the area by airplane.

 • Once the blizzard passes, you may 

need to leave the car and proceed 

on foot.

About 70% of 

winter deaths 

related to snow 

and ice occur 

in automobiles. 

Travel by car in 

daylight, don’t 

travel alone, keep 

others notified 

of your schedule 

and stay on main 

roads – avoid 

back-road short 

cuts.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 49

Extreme Heat

(Heat Wave)

Heat kills by pushing the human 

body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body’s internal 

thermostat produces perspiration that 

evaporates and cools the body. However, 

in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work 

extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur 

because the victim has been 

overexposed to heat or has 

over-exercised for his or her 

age and physical condition. 

The elderly, young children, 

and those who are sick or 

overweight are more likely to 

succumb to extreme heat. 

Conditions that can induce 

heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. 

Consequently, people living in urban areas 

may be at greater risk from the effects of 

a prolonged heat wave than those living 

in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete 

store heat longer and gradually release 

heat at night, which can produce higher 

nighttime temperatures known as the “urban heat island effect.” 

What to do before an 

extreme heat emergency

 1. Know the terms associated with extreme heat:

 • Heat wave—Prolonged period of 

excessive heat, often combined with 

excessive humidity.

 • Heat index—A number in degrees 

Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it 

feels when relative humidity is added 

to the air temperature. Exposure to 

full sunshine can increase the heat 

index by 15 degrees.

 • Heat cramps—Muscular pains 

and spasms due to heavy exertion. 

Although heat cramps are the least 

severe, they are often the first signal 

that the body is having trouble with 

the heat. 

 • Heat exhaustion—Typically occurs 

when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid 

place where body fluids are 

lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin 

increases, causing blood flow 

to decrease to the vital organs. 

This results in a form of mild 

shock. If not treated, the 

victim’s condition will worsen. 

Body temperature will keep 

rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

 • Heat stroke—Heat stroke is lifethreatening. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces 

sweating to cool the body, stops 

working. The body temperature can 

rise so high that brain damage and 

death may result if the body is not 

cooled quickly.

 • Sun stroke—Another term for heat 

stroke.

 2. Consider the following preparedness 

measures when faced with the possibility of extreme heat.

 • Install window air conditioners 

snugly, insulate if necessary.

 • Check air-conditioning ducts for 

proper insulation. 

The elderly, 

young children, 

and those 

who are ill or 

overweight are 

more likely to 

succumb to 

extreme heat.
50 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 • Install temporary window reflectors 

(for use between windows and 

drapes), such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect heat back 

outside and be sure to weather-strip 

doors and sills to keep cool air in.

 • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, 

shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor 

awnings or louvers can reduce the 

heat that enters a home by up to 80 

percent. Consider keeping storm 

windows up all year.

 3. See the “Emergency 

Planning and Disaster 

Supplies” chapter for 

more information.

What to do during 

extreme heat or a heat 

wave emergency

 1. Stay indoors as much as 

possible. 

 • If air conditioning is not 

available, stay on the 

lowest floor out of the sunshine. 

 • Circulating air can cool the body by 

increasing the perspiration rate of 

evaporation.

 2. Eat well-balanced, light and regular 

meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless 

directed to do so by a physician. 

 3. Drink plenty of water regularly even if 

you do not feel thirsty. 

 • Persons who have epilepsy or heart, 

kidney, or liver disease, are on fluidrestrictive diets, or have a problem 

with fluid retention should consult 

a doctor before increasing liquid 

intake.

 4. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

 • Although beer and alcoholic 

beverages appear to satisfy thirst, 

they actually cause further body dehydration. 

 5. Never leave children or pets alone in 

closed vehicles.

 6. Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover 

as much skin as possible. 

 • Lightweight, light-colored clothing 

reflects heat and sunlight and 

helps maintain normal body 

temperature. 

7. Protect face and head by 

wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

8. Avoid too much sunshine.

• Sunburn slows the skin’s 

ability to cool itself. Use a 

sunscreen lotion with a high 

SPF (sun protection factor) 

rating (i.e., 15 or greater).

9. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the 

day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent 

breaks. 

10. Spend at least two hours per day in an 

air-conditioned place. If your home is 

not air conditioned, consider spending 

the warmest part of the day in public 

buildings such as libraries, schools, 

movie theaters, shopping malls and 

other community facilities.

11. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning 

and who spend much of their time 

alone.

Conserve 

electricity during 

periods of extreme 

heat. People 

tend to use a lot 

more power for air 

conditioning, which 

could lead to a 

power shortage or 

outage.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 51

First-aid for 

heat-induced illnesses

 1. Sunburn

 • Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, 

possible swelling, blisters, fever, 

headaches.

 • First Aid: Take a shower, using 

soap, to remove oils that may block 

pores, preventing the body from 

cooling naturally. If blisters occur, 

apply dry, sterile dressings and get 

medical attention. 

 2. Heat cramps

 • Symptoms: Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles. 

Heavy sweating.

 • First Aid: Get the victim out to a 

cooler location. Lightly stretch and 

gently massage affected muscles to 

relieve spasm. Give sips of up to 

a half glass of cool water every 15 

minutes. Do not give liquids with 

caffeine or alcohol. If nauseous, 

discontinue liquids.

 3. Heat exhaustion

 • Symptoms: Heavy sweating and skin 

may be cool, pale or flushed. Weak 

pulse. Normal body temperature is 

possible but temperature will likely 

rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea 

or vomiting, exhaustion and headaches are possible.

 • First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a 

cool place. Loosen or remove clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or 

move victim to air-conditioned place. 

Give sips of water if victim is conscious. Be sure water is consumed 

slowly. Give half glass of cool water 

every 15 minutes. If nausea occurs, 

discontinue. If vomiting occurs, 

seek immediate medical attention.

 4. Heat stroke (sun stroke)

 • Symptoms: High body temperature 

(105+). Hot, red, dry skin. Rapid, 

weak pulse; and rapid, shallow 

breathing. Possible unconsciousness. 

Victim will likely not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous activity. 

 • First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe 

medical emergency. Call 911 or 

emergency medical services or get 

the victim to a hospital immediately. 

Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a 

cooler environment. Remove clothing. Try a cool bath, sponging or wet 

sheet to reduce body temperature. 

Watch for breathing problems. Use 

extreme caution. Use fans and air 

conditioners. 

Emergency Water 

Shortage

An emergency water shortage can be caused by prolonged drought, poor water supply management or contamination of 

a surface water supply source or aquifer.

A drought is a period of abnormally dry 

weather that persists long enough to produce serious effects (crop damage, water 

supply shortages, etc.). The severity of the 

drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration, and the size of 

the affected area.

Drought can affect vast territorial regions 

and large population numbers. In effect, 

drought is a silent but very damaging phenomenon that is rarely lethal but enormously 

destructive. Drought can ruin local and 

regional economies that are agricultural and 

tourism based. Drought also creates environmental conditions that increase 
52 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

risk of other hazards such as fire, flash 

flood, and possible landslides/debris flow.

Poor water quality management can result 

in the demand for water exceeding the 

available supply. This can be exacerbated 

by fluctuations in regional precipitation, 

excessive water demand, or rapid residential development.

Emergency water shortages can also be 

caused by contamination of a water supply. A major spill of a petroleum product 

or hazardous chemical on a major river 

can force communities to shut down water 

treatment plants. Although typically more 

localized, the contamination of ground water or an aquifer can also disrupt the use 

of well water.

Water conservation

Conserving water is very important during 

emergency water shortages. Water saved 

by one user may be enough to protect the 

critical needs of others. Irrigation practices 

can be changed to use less water or crops 

that use less water can be planted. Cities and towns can ration water, factories 

can change manufacturing methods, and 

individuals can practice water-saving measures to reduce consumption. If everyone 

reduces water use during a drought, more 

water will be available to share.

 1. Practice indoor water conservation: 

General

 • Never pour water down the drain 

when there may be another use for 

it. Use it to water your indoor plants 

or garden. 

 • Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second 

wastes 2,700 gallons of water per 

year! 

 Bathroom

 • Check all plumbing for leaks. Have 

leaks repaired by a plumber.

 • Consider purchasing a low-volume 

toilet that uses less than half the 

water of older models. NOTE: In 

many areas, low-volume units are 

required by law. 

 • Install a toilet displacement device 

to cut down on the amount of water 

needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank 

to displace toilet flow (do not use a 

brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal 

parts). Be sure installation does not 

interfere with the operating parts. 

 • Don't flush the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and 

other similar waste in the trash 

rather than the toilet. 

 • Replace your showerhead with an 

ultra-low-flow version. 

 • Do not take baths—take short 

showers—only turn on water to 

get wet and lather and then again 

to rinse off. 

 • Place a bucket in the shower to 

catch excess water for watering 

plants. 

 • Don’t let the water run while 

brushing your teeth, washing your 

face or shaving. 

 Kitchen

 • Operate automatic dishwashers only 

when they are fully loaded. Use the 

“light wash” feature if available to 

use less water. 

 • Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and 

the other with rinse water containing 

a small amount of chlorine bleach. 

 • Most dishwashers can clean soiled 

dishes very well, so dishes do not 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 53

have to be rinsed before washing. 

Just remove large particles of food, 

and put the soiled dishes in the 

dishwasher. 

 • Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you 

are waiting for water to cool. 

 • Do not waste water waiting for it to 

get hot. Capture it for other uses 

such as plant watering or heat it on 

the stove or in a microwave.

 • Do not use running water to thaw 

meat or other frozen foods. Defrost 

food overnight in the 

refrigerator, or use the 

defrost setting on your 

microwave. 

 • Clean vegetables in a 

pan filled with water 

rather than running 

water from the tap.

 • Kitchen sink disposals 

require a lot of water 

to operate properly. 

Start a compost pile as 

an alternate method 

of disposing of food 

waste, or simply dispose of food in 

the garbage. 

 Laundry

 • Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded 

or set the water level for the size of 

your load.

 Long-term indoor water conservation

 • Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors. 

 • Consider installing an instant hot 

water heater on your sink. 

 • Insulate your water pipes to reduce 

heat loss and prevent them from 

breaking if you have a sudden and 

unexpected spell of freezing weather. 

 • If you are considering installing a 

new heat pump or air-conditioning 

system, the new air-to-air models 

are just as efficient as the water-toair type and do not waste water. 

 • Install a water-softening system 

only when the minerals in the water 

would damage your pipes. Turn the 

softener off while on vacation. 

 • When purchasing a new appliance, 

choose one that is more energy and 

water efficient. 

2. Practice outdoor water conservation: 

General

• If you have a well at home, 

check your pump periodically. 

If the automatic pump turns 

on and off while water is not 

being used, you have a leak. 

Car washing

• Use a shut-off nozzle on 

your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray, 

so that water flows only as 

needed. 

 • Consider using a commercial car 

wash that recycles water. If you 

wash your own car, park on the 

grass so that you will be watering it 

at the same time. 

 Lawn Care

 • Don’t over water your lawn. A heavy 

rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the 

year, lawns only need one inch of 

water per week.

 • Water in several short sessions 

rather than one long one in order for 

your lawn to better absorb moisture. 

 • Position sprinklers so water lands 

on the lawn and shrubs and not on 

paved areas. 

Conserving 

water is very 

important during 

emergency 

water shortages. 

Water saved by 

one user may be 

enough to protect 

the critical needs 

of others.
54 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 • Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine 

mist. Mist can evaporate before it 

reaches the lawn. Check sprinkler 

systems and timing devices regularly 

to be sure they operate properly. 

 • Raise the lawn mower blade to at 

least three inches, or to its highest 

level. A higher cut encourages grass 

roots to grow deeper, shades the root 

system, and holds soil moisture. 

 • Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.

 • Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. 

Applying fertilizer increases the need 

for water. Apply fertilizers that 

contain slow-release, water-insoluble 

forms of nitrogen. 

 • Use a broom or blower instead of a 

hose to clean leaves and other debris 

from your driveway or sidewalk. 

 • Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour 

out 600 gallons or more in only a 

few hours. 

 Pool

 • Consider installing a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 

to 250 gallons of water. 

 • Cover pools and spas to reduce 

evaporation of water. 

 Long term outdoor conservation

 • Plant native and/or drought-tolerant 

grasses, ground covers, shrubs and 

trees. Once established, they do not 

 need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without 

watering. Small plants require less 

water to become established. Group 

plants together based on similar 

water needs. 

 • Install irrigation devices that are the 

most water efficient for each use. 

Micro and drip irrigation and soaker 

hoses are examples of efficient 

devices. 

 • Use mulch to retain moisture in the 

soil. Mulch also helps control weeds 

that compete with landscape plants 

for water. 

 • Avoid purchasing recreational water 

toys that require a constant stream 

of water. 

 • Avoid installing ornamental water 

features (such as fountains) unless 

they use recycled water. 

Participate in public water conservation 

programs of your local government, utility 

or water management district. Follow water conservation and water shortage rules 

in effect. Remember, you are included in 

the restrictions even if your water comes 

from a private well. Be sure to support 

community efforts that help develop and 

promote a water conservation ethic. 

Contact your local water authority, utility 

district, or local emergency management 

agency for information specific to your 

area. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 55

Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden shaking 

of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the 

earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause 

buildings and bridges to collapse, telephone 

and power lines to fall, and result in fires, 

explosions and landslides. Earthquakes 

can also cause huge ocean waves, called 

tsunamis, which travel long distances over 

water until they crash into coastal areas.

The following information includes general 

guidelines for earthquake preparedness 

and safety. Because injury prevention 

techniques may vary from state to state, 

it is recommended that you contact your 

local emergency management office, health 

department, or American Red Cross chapter 

for more information. 

What to do before an earthquake

 1. Know the terms associated with earthquakes.

 • Earthquake—a sudden slipping or 

movement of a portion of the earth’s 

crust, accompanied and followed by a 

series of vibrations.

 • Aftershock—an earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows 

the main earthquake.

 • Fault—the fracture across which 

displacement has occurred during an earthquake. The slippage 

may range from less than an inch 

to more than 10 yards in a severe 

earthquake.

 • Epicenter—the place on the earth's 

surface directly above the point on 

the fault where the earthquake rupture began. Once fault slippage begins, it expands along the fault during the earthquake and can extend 

hundreds of miles before stopping.

 • Seismic Waves—are vibrations that 

travel outward from the earthquake 

fault at speeds of several miles per 

second. Although fault slippage 

directly under a structure can cause 

considerable damage, the vibrations 

as seismic wave pass by cause most of 

the destruction during earthquakes.

 • Magnitude—computed from the 

amplitude of the seismic waves, 

the magnitude indicates how much 

energy was released during an 

earthquake. A magnitude of 7.0 on 

the Richter Scale would indicate 

a very strong earthquake. Each 

whole number on the scale represents an increase of about 30 times 

the energy released. Therefore, an 

earthquake measuring 6.0 is about 

30 times more powerful than one 

measuring 5.0.

 2. Look for items in your home that could 

become a hazard in an earthquake:

 • Repair defective electrical wiring, 

leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility 

connections. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or 

electrical lines yourself.

 • Bolt down and secure to wall your 

water heater, refrigerator, furnace, 
56 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 and gas appliances. If recommended 

by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed 

that is triggered by strong vibrations).

 • Place large or heavy objects on lower 

shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, 

and large picture frames to walls. 

Brace high and top-heavy objects.

 • Store bottled foods, glass, china and 

other breakables on low shelves or 

in cabinets that can fasten shut.

 • Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.

 • Be sure the residence is 

firmly anchored to its 

foundation.

 • Install flexible pipe 

fittings to avoid gas or 

water leaks. Flexible 

fittings are more resistant to breakage.

 3. Know where and how 

to shut off electricity, 

gas and water at main 

switches and valves. 

Check with your local 

utilities for instructions. Do not actually shut off the gas to see how it 

works or to show others. Only the gas 

company can safely turn it back on.

 4. Hold earthquake drills with your 

household members:

 • Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information 

by physically placing yourself and 

your household in these locations.

 5. Develop a plan for reuniting your 

household after an earthquake. Establish an out-of-town telephone contact 

for household members to call to let 

others know that they are safe.

 6. Review your insurance policies. Some 

damage may be covered even without 

specific earthquake insurance. Protect 

important home and business papers.

 7. Prepare to survive on your own for at 

least three days. Assemble a disaster 

supplies kit. Keep a stock of food and 

extra drinking water. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” 

and “Evacuation” chapters for more 

information.

What to do during an earthquake

Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go 

outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when 

people are hit by falling objects when entering or exiting 

buildings.

1. Drop, Cover and Hold On! 

Minimize your movements 

during an earthquake to a few 

steps to a nearby safe place. 

Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are 

sure exiting is safe.

2. If you are indoors, take cover under a 

sturdy desk, table or bench, or against 

an inside wall, and hold on. Stay away 

from glass, windows, outside doors 

or walls and anything that could fall, 

such as lighting fixtures or furniture. 

If you are in bed, stay there, hold on 

and protect your head with a pillow, 

unless you are under a heavy light 

fixture that could fall.

3. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, 

cover your face and head with your 

arms and crouch in an inside corner 

of the building. A doorway should 

only be used for shelter if it is in close 

proximity to you and if you know that 

it is a strongly supported load-bearing 

doorway.

Remain calm 

and stay inside 

during an 

earthquake. Most 

injuries during 

earthquakes occur 

when people are 

hit by falling debris 

when entering or 

exiting buildings. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 57

 4. If you are outdoors, stay there. Move 

away from buildings, streetlights and 

utility wires.

 5. If you live in an apartment building

or other multi-household structure 

with many levels, consider the following:

 • Get under a desk and stay away 

from windows and outside walls.

 • Stay in the building (many injuries 

occur as people flee a building and 

are struck by falling debris from 

above).

 • Be aware that the electricity may go out or 

the sprinkler systems 

or fire alarms may 

come on.

 • DO NOT use the elevators.

 6. If you are in a crowded 

indoor public location:

 • Stay where you are. Do 

not rush for the doorways.

 • Move away from tall objects that 

may fall.

 • Take cover and grab something to 

shield your head and face from falling debris and glass.

 • Be aware that the electricity may go 

out or the sprinkler systems or fire 

alarms may turn on.

 • DO NOT use elevators.

 7. In a moving vehicle, stop as quickly 

as safety permits, and stay in the 

vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under 

buildings, trees, overpasses or utility wires. Then, proceed cautiously, 

watching for road and bridge damage.

 8. If you become trapped in debris:

 • Do not light a match.

 • Do not move about or kick up dust. 

 • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

 • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers 

can locate you. Use a whistle if one 

is available. Shout only as a last 

resort—shouting can cause you to 

inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

 9. Stay indoors until the shaking has 

stopped and you are sure exiting is 

safe.

What to do after an earthquake

1. Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary 

shock waves are usually less 

violent than the main quake 

but can be strong enough to 

do additional damage to weakened structures.

2. Check for injuries. Do not 

attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are 

in immediate danger of death 

or further injury. If you must 

move an unconscious person, 

first stabilize the neck and back, then 

call for help immediately.

 • If the victim is not breathing, carefully position the victim for artificial 

respiration, clear the airway and 

start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

 • Maintain body temperature with 

blankets. Be sure the victim does 

not become overheated.

 • Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.

 3. If the electricity goes out, use flashlights or battery powered lanterns. 

Do not use candles, matches or open 

flames indoors after the earthquake 

because of possible gas leaks.

 4. Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered 

with fallen debris and broken glass. 

If you must go 

out after an 

earthquake, 

watch for fallen 

objects, downed 

electrical wires, 

weakened walls, 

bridges, roads 

and sidewalks.
58 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 5. Check your home for structural damage. If you have any doubts about 

safety, have your residence inspected 

by a qualified building inspector or 

structural engineer before entering.

 6. Visually check chimneys for visual 

damage; however, have a qualified 

professional inspect the chimney for 

internal damage before lighting a fire.

 7. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, 

gasoline and other flammable liquids. 

Evacuate the building if gasoline or 

other fumes are detected and the 

building is not well ventilated. Ventilate by opening windows and doorways 

to the outside.

 8. Visually inspect utility lines and 

appliances for damage.

 • If you smell gas or hear a hissing or 

blowing sound, open a window and 

leave. Shut off the main gas valve if 

it is located outside. Report the leak 

to the gas company from the nearest 

working phone or cell phone. Stay 

out of the building. If you shut off 

the gas supply at the main valve, 

you will need to contact your gas 

comapny to have it turned back on.

 • Switch off electrical power at the main 

fuse box or circuit breaker if electrical 

damage is suspected or known.

 • Always turn off the gas before you 

turn off the electricity.

 • Shut off the water supply at the 

main valve if interior water pipes are 

damaged.

 • Do not flush toilets until you know 

that sewage lines are intact.

 9. Open cabinets cautiously. Beware 

of objects that can fall off shelves.

10. Use the phone only to report lifethreatening emergencies.

11. Listen to news reports for the latest 

emergency information.

12. Stay off the streets. If you must go 

out, watch for fallen objects, downed 

electrical wires, weakened walls, 

bridges, roads and sidewalks.

13. Stay away from damaged areas unless 

your assistance has been specifically 

requested by police, fire or relief 

organizations.

14. If you live in coastal areas, be aware 

of possible tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal 

waves"). When local authorities issue a 

tsunami warning, assume that a series 

of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay 

away from the beach. See the “Tsunamis” chapter for more information.

Volcanoes

Avolcano is a vent through which 

molten rock escapes to the earth’s 

surface. When pressure from gases 

within the molten rock becomes too great, 

an eruption occurs. 

Some eruptions are relatively quiet, producing lava flows that creep across the 

land at 2 to 10 miles per hour. Explosive 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 59

The May 18, 1980 

eruption of Mount 

St. Helens in 

Washington took 

the lives of 58 

people and caused 

property damage 

in excess of $1.2 

billion.

eruptions can shoot columns of gases and 

rock fragments tens of miles into the atmosphere, spreading ash hundreds of 

miles downwind. Lateral blasts can flattentrees for miles. Hot, sometimes poisonous, 

gases may flow down the sides of the of 

the volcano.

Lava flows are streams of molten rock that 

either pour from a vent quietly through 

lava tubes or by lava fountains. Because 

of their intense heat, lava flows are also 

great fire hazards. Lava flows destroy 

everything in their path, but 

most move slowly enough 

that people can move out of 

the way.

Fresh volcanic ash, made 

of pulverized rock, can be 

abrasive, acidic, gritty, glassy 

and odorous. While not immediately dangerous to most 

adults, the combination of 

acidic gas and ash could 

cause lung damage to small 

infants, very old people or 

those suffering from severe 

respiratory illnesses. Volcanic ash can also 

damage machinery, including engines and 

electrical equipment. Ash accumulations 

mixed with water become heavy and can 

collapse roofs. 

Volcanic eruptions can be accompanied by 

other natural hazards: earthquakes, mudflows and flash floods, rock falls and landslides, acid rain, fire, and (under special 

conditions) tsunamis. Active volcanoes 

in the U.S. are found mainly in Hawaii, 

Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

What to do before an eruption

 1. Make evacuation plans. If you live in 

a known volcanic hazard area, plan a 

route out and have a backup route in 

mind.

 2. Develop a household disaster plan. In 

case household members are separated 

from one another during a volcanic

eruption (a real possibility during 

the day when adults are at work and 

children are at school), have a plan for 

getting back together. Ask an out-oftown relative or friend to serve as the 

“household contact,” because after a 

disaster, it’s often easier to call long 

distance. Make sure everyone knows 

the name, address, and phone number 

of the contact person.

3. Assemble a disaster supplies kit (see “Emergency 

Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter).

4. Get a pair of goggles and 

a throw-away breathing 

mask for each member of the 

household in case of ashfall.

5. Do not visit an active 

volcano site unless officials 

designate a safe viewing area.

What to do during an eruption

1. If close to the volcano evacuate immediately away from the volcano to avoid 

flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, 

and lava flow. 

 2. Avoid areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.

 3. Be aware of mudflows. The danger 

from a mudflow increases as you approach a stream channel and decreases 

as you move away from a stream channel toward higher ground. This danger 

increases with prolonged heavy rains. 

Mudflows can move faster than you 

can walk or run. Look upstream before 

crossing a bridge, and do not cross 

if the mudflow is approaching. Avoid 

river valleys and low-lying areas.
60 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 • Do not run car or truck engines. 

Driving can stir up volcanic ash that 

can clog engines and stall vehicles. 

Moving parts can be damaged 

from abrasion, including bearings, 

brakes, and transmissions.

What to do after the eruption

 1. Stay away from ashfall areas if possible. If you are in an ashfall area cover 

your mouth and nose with a mask, 

keep skin covered, and wear goggles 

to protect the eyes.

 2. Clear roofs of ashfall because it can be 

very heavy and may cause buildings to 

collapse. Exercise great caution when 

working on a roof.

 3. Do not drive through ashfall, which is 

easily stirred up and can clog engine 

air filters, causing vehicles to stall.

 4. If you have a respiratory ailment, 

avoid contact with any amount of ash. 

Stay indoors until local health officials 

advise it is safe to go outside.

 4. Stay indoors until the ash has 

settled unless there is danger of 

the roof collapsing. 

 5. During an ash fall, close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house 

(chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans and other vents).

 6. Do not drive in heavy ashfall unless 

absolutely required. If you do drive in 

dense ashfall, keep speed down to 35 

mph or slower.

 7. Remove heavy ash from flat or lowpitched roofs and rain gutters.

 8. Volcanic ash is actually fine, glassy 

fragments and particles that can cause 

severe injury to breathing passages, 

eyes, and open wounds, and irritation 

to skin. Follow these precautions to 

keep yourself safe from ashfall: 

 • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long 

pants.

 • Use goggles and wear eyeglasses 

instead of contact lenses.

 • Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth 

over your face to help breathing.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 61

Landslides and 

Debris Flows 

(Mudslides)

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and 

territories and occur when masses 

of rock, earth, or debris move down 

a slope. Landslides may be small or large, 

and can move at slow or very high speeds. 

They are activated by rainstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires and by 

human modification of the land.

Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, 

earth, and other debris saturated with 

water. They develop when water rapidly 

accumulates in the ground, during heavy 

rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the 

earth into a flowing river of mud or “slurry.” They can flow rapidly down slopes 

or through channels, and can strike with 

little or no warning at avalanche speeds. 

They can also travel several miles from 

their source, growing in size as they pick 

up trees, large boulders, cars, and other 

materials along the way.

Landslide, mudflow, and debris-flow 

problems are occasionally caused by land 

mismanagement. Improper land-use 

practices on ground of questionable stability, particularly in mountain, canyon, 

and coastal regions, can create and accelerate serious landslide problems. Landuse zoning, professional inspections, and 

proper design can minimize many landslide, mudflow, and debris flow problems.

What to do before a 

landslide or debris flow

 1. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross 

chapter for information on local landslide and debris flow hazards.

 2. Get a ground assessment of your 

property. 

 • County or state geological experts, 

local planning department or departments of natural resources may 

have specific information on areas 

vulnerable to landslides. Consult an 

appropriate professional expert for 

advice on corrective measures you 

can take.

 3. Minimize home hazards by having 

flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid 

gas or water leaks. Flexible fitting are 

more resistant to breakge. Only the 

gas company or professionals should 

install gas fittings.

 4. Familiarize yourself with your surrounding area. 

 • Small changes in your local landscape could alert you to the potential 

of greater future threat.

 • Observe the patterns of storm-water 

drainage on slopes and especially 

the places where runoff water converges. 

 • Watch for any sign of land movement, such as small slides, flows, or

 
62 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 progressively leaning trees, on the

hillsides near your home. 

 5. Be particularly observant of your 

surrounding area before and during 

intense storms that could heighten the 

possibility of landslide or debris. Many 

debris flow fatalities occur when people 

are sleeping. 

 6. Talk to your insurance agent. Debris 

flow may be covered by flood insurance 

policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

 7. Learn to recognize landslide warning signs.

• Doors or windows 

stick or jam for the 

first time.

• New cracks appear in 

plaster, tile, brick, or 

foundations.

• Outside walls, walks, 

or stairs begin pulling 

away from the building.

• Slowly developing, 

widening cracks appear on the ground or 

on paved areas such as streets or 

driveways.

• Underground utility lines break. 

• Bulging ground appears at the base 

of a slope.

• Water breaks through the ground 

surface in new locations.

• Fences, retaining walls, utility 

poles, or trees tilt or move.

• The ground slopes downward in 

one specific direction and may begin shifting in that direction under 

your feet.

What to do during a heightened 

threat (intense storm) of landslide 

or debris flow

1. Listen to radio or television for warning 

of intense rainfall.

• Be prepared to evacuate if instructed by local authorities or if you feel 

threatened.

• Should you remain at home, move 

to a second story if possible to distance yourself from the direct path 

of debris flow and landslide debris.

2. Be alert when intense, 

short bursts of rain follow 

prolonged heavy rains or 

damp weather, which increase 

risks of debris flows.

3. Listen for any unusual 

sounds that might indicate 

moving debris, such as trees 

cracking or boulders knocking 

together. A trickle of flowing 

or falling mud or debris may 

precede larger landslides. 

Moving debris can flow quickly 

and sometimes without warning. You may hear a faint rumbling 

sound that increases in volume as a 

landslide nears.

 4. If you are near a stream or channel, be 

alert for sudden increases or decreases 

in water flow and for a change from 

clear to muddy water. Such changes 

may indicate landslide activity upstream. Be prepared to move quickly. 

 5. Be especially alert when driving. 

Embankments along roadsides are 

particularly susceptible to landslides. 

Watch for collapsed pavement, mud, 

fallen rocks, and other indications of 

possible debris flows.

Landslides and 

debris flows 

can cause such 

dangers as 

broken electrical, 

water, gas, and 

sewage lines, 

and disrupted 

roadways and 

railways. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 63

 6. Evacuate when ordered by local authorities or if you feel the need. See 

the “Evacuation” chapter for more 

information.

What to do during a 

landslide or debris flow

 1. Quickly move away from the path of 

a landslide or debris flow.

 2. Areas generally considered safe 

include:

 • Areas that have not moved in the 

past

 • Relatively flat-lying areas away from 

drastic changes in slope

 • Areas at the top of or along ridges 

set back from the tops of slopes.

 3. If escape is not possible, curl into a 

tight ball and protect your head.

What to do after a 

landslide or debris flow

 1. Stay away from the slide area. There 

may be danger of additional slides.

 2. Check for injured and trapped persons 

near the slide, without entering the 

direct slide area. Direct rescuers to 

their locations.

 3. Help a neighbor who may require special assistance—large families, children, elderly people, and people with 

disabilities. 

 4. Listen to local radio or television 

stations for the latest emergency 

information.

 5. Landslides and debris flows can 

provoke associated dangers such as 

broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines, and disrupt roadways and 

railways.

 • Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. 

Reporting potential hazards will get 

the utilities turned off as quickly as 

possible, preventing further hazard 

and injury.

 • If you smell gas or hear hissing, 

do not enter a building to turn off 

utilities. If you can turn the gas off 

outside the building at the meter, do 

so. However, only the gas company 

or other qualified professionals can 

turn the gas back on.

 • Check the building foundation, 

chimney, and surrounding land for 

damage. Damage to foundations, 

chimneys, or surrounding land may 

help you assess the safety of the 

area.

 6. Watch for flooding, which may occur 

after a landslide or debris flow. Floods 

sometimes follow landslides and debris 

flows because they may both be started 

by the same event.

 7. Replant damaged ground as soon as 

possible since erosion caused by loss of 

ground cover can lead to flash flooding 

and additional landslides in the near 

future.

 8. Seek the advice of a geotechnical expert 

for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce 

landslide risk. A professional will be 

able to advise you of the best ways to 

prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further hazard.

 9. See the “Recovering From Disaster” 

chapter for more information.
64 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Tsunamis

Tsunamis (pronounced soo-ná-mees), 

also known as siesmic sea waves 

(mistakenly called "tidal waves"), are 

a series of enormous waves created by an 

underwater disturbance such as an earthquake. A tsunami can move hundreds 

of miles per hour in the open 

ocean and smash into land 

with waves as high as 100 feet 

or more, although most waves 

are less than 18 feet high. 

From the area where the 

tsunami originates, waves 

travel outward in all directions 

much like the ripples caused 

by throwing a rock into a 

pond. In deep water the tsunami wave is 

not noticeable. Once the wave approaches 

the shore it builds in height. All tsunamis 

are potentially dangerous, even though 

they may not damage every coastline they 

strike. A tsunami can strike anywhere 

along most of the U.S. coastline. The 

most destructive tsunamis have occurred 

along the coasts of California, Oregon, 

Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.

Tsunamis are most often generated by 

earthquake-induced movement of the 

ocean floor. Landslides, volcanic eruptions, and even meteorites can also generate tsunamis. If a major earthquake or 

landslide occurs close to shore, the first 

wave in a series could reach the beach in 

a few minutes, even before a warning is issued. Areas are at greater risk if less than 

25 feet above sea level and within a mile of 

the shoreline. Drowning is the most common cause of death associated with a tsunami. Tsunami waves and the receding 

water are very destructive to structures in 

the run-up zone. Other hazards include 

flooding, contamination of drinking water 

and fires from gas lines or ruptured tanks. 

What to do before a tsunami

 1. Know the terms used by the West 

Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning 

Center (WC/ATWC—responsible for 

tsunami warnings for California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, 

and Alaska) and the Pacific Tsunami 

Warning Center (PTWC—responsible for tsunami warnings 

to international authorities, 

Hawaii, and the U.S. territories 

within the Pacific basin).

• Advisory—An earthquake 

has occurred in the Pacific 

basin, which might generate 

a tsunami. WC/ATWC and 

PTWC will issue hourly bulletins advising of the situation. 

 • Watch—A tsunami was or may 

have been generated, but is at least 

two hours travel time to the area in 

Watch status.

 • Warning—A tsunami was or may 

have been generated, which could 

cause damage; therefore, people 

in the warned area are strongly 

advised to evacuate.

Take tsunami 

warnings 

seriously. 

Follow local 

instructions. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 65

 2. Listen to radio or television for more 

information and follow the instructions of your local authorities.

 3. Immediate warning of tsunamis 

sometimes comes in the form of a 

noticeable recession in water away 

from the shoreline. This is nature’s 

tsunami warning and it should be 

heeded by moving inland to higher 

ground immediately

 4. If you feel an earthquake in a coastal 

area, leave the beach lor low-lying 

areas. Then turn on your radio to 

learn if there is a tsunami 

warning.

 5. Know that a small tsunami at one beach can be 

a larger wave a few miles 

away. The topography 

of the coastline and the 

ocean floor will influence 

the size of the wave.

 6. A tsunami may generate 

more than one wave. Do 

not let the modest size of 

one wave allow you to forget how dangerous a tsunami is. The 

next wave may be bigger.

 7. Prepare for possible evacuation. Learn 

evacuation routes. Determine where 

you would go and how you would get 

there if you needed to evacuate. See 

the “Evacuation” and “Emergency 

Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapters for information.

What to do during a tsunami 

 1. If you are advised to evacuate, do so 

immediately.

 2. Stay away from the area until local 

authorities say it is safe. Do not be 

fooled into thinking that the danger 

is over after a single wave—a tsunami 

is not a single wave but a series of 

waves that can vary in size.

3. Do not go to the shoreline 

to watch for a tsunami. When 

you can see the wave, it is too 

late to escape.

What to do after a 

tsunami 

1. Stay away from flooded and 

damaged areas until officials 

say it is safe to return.

2. Stay away from debris in the water, it 

may pose a safety hazard to boats and 

people.

3. See the “Recovering From Disaster” 

chapter for more information.

Do not let the 

modest size of 

one wave allow 

you to forget 

how dangerous 

tsunamis are. 

The next wave 

in the series 

may be much 

larger.
66 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Fire

Each year more than 4000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which 

could be prevented. Direct property loss 

due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion 

annually.

To protect yourself, it’s important to understand the 

basic characteristics of fire. 

Fire spreads quickly; there is 

no time to gather valuables or 

make a phone call. In just two 

minutes a fire can become life 

threatening. In five minutes a 

residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more 

dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the 

super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire 

produces poisonous gases that make you 

disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being 

awakened by a fire, you may fall into a 

deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading 

cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns, by a 

three-to-one ratio. 

What to do before fire strikes

 1. Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your 

chances of dying in a fire by half.

 • Place smoke alarms on every level 

of your residence: outside bedrooms 

on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 

to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top 

of open stairways or at the bottom of 

enclosed stairs and near (but not in) 

the kitchen.

 • Test and clean smoke alarms once a 

month and replace batteries at least 

once a year. Replace smoke alarms 

once every 10 years.

 2. With your household, plan two escape 

routes from every room in the residence. Practice with your household 

escaping from each room.

 • Make sure windows are not nailed 

or painted shut. Make sure security 

gratings on windows have a fire safety-opening feature so that they can be 

easily opened from the inside. 

• Consider escape ladders if 

your residence has more than 

one level and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft 

mechanisms that block outside 

window entry are easily opened 

from inside.

• Teach household members to 

stay low to the floor (where the 

air is safer in a fire) when escaping 

from a fire.

 • Pick a place outside your home for 

the household to meet after escaping 

from a fire.

 3. Clean out storage areas. Don’t let 

trash such as old newspapers and 

magazines accumulate.

 4. Check the electrical wiring in your residence.

Working smoke 

alarms decrease 

your chances of 

dying in fire by 

half.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 67

 • Inspect extension cords for frayed or 

exposed wires or loose plugs.

 • Outlets should have cover plates and 

no exposed wiring.

 • Make sure wiring does not run under 

rugs, over nails, or across high traffic 

areas.

 • Do not overload extension cords or 

outlets. If you need to plug in two or 

three appliances, get a UL-approved 

unit with built-in circuit breakers to 

prevent sparks and short circuits.

 • Make sure home insulation does not 

touch electrical wiring.

 • Have an electrician 

check the electrical wiring in your residence.

5. Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha or similar 

flammable liquids indoors.

 • Store flammable liquids 

in approved containers 

in well-ventilated storage areas.

 • Never smoke near flammable liquids. 

 • After use, safely discard all rags or 

materials soaked in flammable material outdoors in a metal container.

6. Check heating sources. Many residential fires are started by faulty furnaces or 

stoves, cracked or rusted furnace parts 

and chimneys with creosote build-up. 

Have chimneys, wood stoves and all residential heating systems inspected and 

cleaned annually by a certified specialist. 

 7. Insulate chimneys and place spark 

arresters on top. The chimney should 

be at least three feet higher than the 

roof. Remove branches hanging above 

and around the chimney.

 8. Be careful when using alternative heating sources, such as wood, coal and 

kerosene heaters and electrical space 

heaters.

 • Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Be 

sure to fill kerosene heaters outside 

and after they have cooled.

 • Place heaters at least three feet 

away from flammable materials. 

Make sure the floor and nearby 

walls are properly insulated.

• Use only the type of fuel 

designated for your unit and 

follow manufacturer’s instructions.

• Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from 

your residence. 

• Keep open flames away from 

walls, furniture, drapery and 

flammable items. Keep a 

screen in front of the fireplace.

• Have chimneys and wood 

stoves inspected annually and 

cleaned if necessary.

 • Portable heaters that use flammable 

fuels should only be used in wellventilated rooms.

 9. Keep matches and lighters up high, 

away from children, and if possible, in a 

locked cabinet. 

10. Do not smoke in bed, or when drowsy or 

medicated. Provide smokers with deep, 

sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and 

cigar butts with water before disposal. 

11. Safety experts recommend that you 

sleep with your door closed.

12. Know the locations of the gas valve and 

electric fuse or circuit breaker box and 

how to turn them off in an emergency. 

If you shut off your main gas line for 

Install A-BC type fire 

extinguishers 

in the home 

and teach 

household 

members how 

to use them.
68 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 any reason, allow only a gas company 

representative to turn it on again.

13. Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers 

in the residence and teach household members how to use them (Type 

A—wood or papers fires only; Type 

B—flammable liquid or grease fires; 

Type C—electrical fires; Type A-B-C—

rated for all fires and recommended for 

the residence).

14. Consider installing an automatic fire 

sprinkler system in your residence.

15. Ask your local fire department to inspect your 

residence for fire safety 

and prevention.

16. Teach children how to 

report a fire and when to 

call 911.

17. To support insurance 

claims in case you do 

have a fire, conduct an 

inventory of your property and possessions and keep the list in a separate 

location. Photographs are also helpful. 

18. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter for additional 

information.

What to do during a fire

 1. Use water or a fire extinguisher to put 

out small fires. Do not try to put out 

a fire that is getting out of control. If 

you’re not sure if you can control it, get 

everyone out of the residence and call 

the fire department from a neighbor’s 

residence.

 2. Never use water on an electrical fire. 

Use only a fire extinguisher approved 

for electrical fires.

 3. Smother oil and grease fires in the 

kitchen with baking soda or salt, or 

put a lid over the flame if it is burning 

in a pan. Do not attempt to take the 

pan outside.

 4. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, 

drop and roll until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire 

burn faster.

 5. If you are escaping through a closed 

door, use the back of your hand to 

feel the top of the door, the doorknob, 

and the crack between the door and 

door frame before you open 

it. Never use the palm of 

your hand or fingers to test 

for heat—burning those areas 

could impair your ability to 

escape a fire (i.e., ladders and 

crawling).

• If the door is cool, open 

slowly and ensure fire and/or 

smoke is not blocking your 

escape route. If your escape route is 

blocked, shut the door immediately 

and use an alternate escape route, 

such as a window. If clear, leave 

immediately through the door. Be 

prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat 

rise. The air is clearer and cooler 

near the floor.

 • If the door is warm or hot, do not 

open. Escape through a window. 

If you cannot escape, hang a white 

or light-colored sheet outside the 

window, alerting fire fighters to your 

presence.

 6. If you must exit through smoke, crawl 

low under the smoke to your exit—

heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. 

 7. Close doors behind you as you escape to 

delay the spread of the fire.

If your clothes 

are on fire, 

stop, drop, and 

roll until the fire 

is extinguished.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 69

 8. Once you are safely out, stay out. Call 

911.

What to do after a fire

 1. Give first aid where needed. After calling 911 or your local emergency number, cool and cover burns to reduce 

chance of further injury or infection. 

 2. Do not enter a fire-damaged building 

unless authorities say it is safe. 

 3. If you must enter a fire-damaged building, be alert for heat and smoke. If you 

detect either, evacuate immediately. 

 4. Have an electrician check your residence's wiring before the current 

(power) is turned on. 

 5. Do not attempt to reconnect any 

utilities yourself. Leave this to the fire 

department and other authorities.

 6. Beware of structural damage. Roofs 

and floors may be weakened and need 

repair.

 7. Contact your local disaster relief 

service, such as the American Red 

Cross or Salvation Army, if you need 

housing, food, or a place to stay.

 8. Call your insurance agent.

 • Make a list of damage and losses. 

Pictures are helpful.

 • Keep records of clean-up and repair costs. Receipts are important 

for both insurance and income tax 

claims.

 • Do not throw away any damaged 

goods until an official inventory 

has been taken. Your insurance 

company takes all damages into 

consideration.

 9. If you are a tenant, contact the landlord. It’s the property owner’s responsibility to prevent further loss or damage to the site.

10. Secure personal belongings or move 

them to another location.

11. Discard food, beverages and medicines 

that have been exposed to heat, smoke 

or soot. Refrigerators and freezers left 

closed hold their temperature for a 

short time. Do not attempt to refreeze 

food that has thawed.

12. If you have a safe or strong box, do not 

try to open it. It can hold intense heat 

for several hours. If the door is opened 

before the box has cooled, the contents 

could burst into flames.

13. If a building inspector says the building is unsafe and you must leave your 

home:

 • Ask local police to watch the property during your absence.

 • Pack identification, medicines, 

glasses, jewelry, credit cards, 

checkbooks, insurance policies and 

financial records if you can reach 

them safely.

 • Notify friends, relatives, police and 

fire departments, your insurance 

agent, the mortgage company, utility 

companies, delivery services, employers, schools and the post office 

of your whereabouts.

14. See the “Shelter” and “Recovering 

From Disaster” chapters for more 

information.
70 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Wildland fires

I

f you live on a remote hillside, or in a 

valley, prairie or forest where flammable 

vegetation is abundant, your residence 

could be vulnerable to wildland fire. These 

fires are usually triggered by lightning or 

accidents. 

 1. Fire facts about rural living: 

 • Once a fire starts outdoors in a rural area, it is often hard to control. 

Wildland firefighters are trained to 

protect natural resources, not homes 

and buildings. 

 • Many homes are located far from fire 

stations. The result is longer emergency response times. Within a matter of minutes, an entire home may 

be destroyed by fire. 

 • Limited water supply in rural areas 

can make fire suppression difficult. 

 • Homes may be secluded and surrounded by woods, dense brush and 

combustible vegetation that fuel fires. 

 2. Ask fire authorities for information 

about wildland fires in your area. Request that they inspect your residence 

and property for hazards.

 3. Be prepared and have a fire safety and 

evacuation plan:

 • Practice fire escape and evacuation 

plans. 

 • Mark the entrance to your property 

with address signs that are clearly 

visible from the road. 

 • Know which local emergency services 

are available and have those numbers posted near telephones.

 • Provide emergency vehicle access 

through roads and driveways at least 

12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space. 

 4. Tips for making your property fire 

resistant:

 • Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, 

and the roof and rain-gutters free from 

debris such as dead limbs and leaves. 

 • Stack firewood at least 30 feet away 

from your residence. 

 • Store flammable materials, liquids 

and solvents in metal containers outside the residence at least 30 feet away 

from structures and wooden fences. 

 • Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet 

around your residence. Beyond 30 

feet, remove dead wood, debris and 

low tree branches. 

 • Landscape your property with fire 

resistant plants and vegetation to 

prevent fire from spreading quickly. 

For example, hardwood trees are 

more fire-resistant than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus, or fir trees. 

 • Make sure water sources, such as 

hydrants, ponds, swimming pools 

and wells, are accessible to the fire 

department. 

 5. Protect your residence: 

 • Use fire resistant, protective roofing and materials like stone, brick 

and metal to protect your residence. 

Avoid using wood materials. They 

offer the least fire protection. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 71

 • Cover all exterior vents, attics and 

eaves with metal mesh screens no 

larger than 6 millimeters or 1/4 inch 

to prevent debris from collecting and 

to help keep sparks out.

 • Install multi-pane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from 

radiant heat. 

 • Use fire-resistant draperies for added 

window protection. 

 • Have chimneys, wood stoves and 

all home heating systems inspected 

and cleaned annually by a certified 

specialist. 

 • Insulate chimneys and place spark 

arresters on top. Chimney should be 

at least three feet above the roof.

 • Remove branches hanging above and 

around the chimney.

 6. Follow local burning laws:

 • Do not burn trash or other debris 

without proper knowledge of local 

burning laws, techniques and the 

safest times of day and year to burn. 

 • Before burning debris in a wooded 

area, make sure you notify local authorities and obtain a burning permit. 

 • Use an approved incinerator with a 

safety lid or covering with holes no 

larger than 3/4 inches. 

 • Create at least a 10-foot clearing 

around the incinerator before burning debris. 

 • Have a fire extinguisher or garden 

hose on hand when burning debris.

 7. If wildfire threatens your residence and 

time permits, consider the following:

 Inside

 • Shut off gas at the meter. Do not 

actually shut off the gas to see how 

it works or to show others. Only the 

gas company can safely turn the gas 

back on.

 • Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.

 • Close windows, vents, doors, blinds 

or noncombustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove 

flammable drapes and curtains.

 • Move flammable furniture into the 

center of the residence away from 

windows and sliding-glass doors.

 • Close all interior doors and windows 

to prevent drafts.

 • Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.

 • Gather pets into one room. Make 

plans to care for your pets if you 

must evacuate.

 • Back your car into the garage or park 

it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll 

up windows. Leave the key in the 

ignition and the car doors unlocked. 

Close garage windows and doors, but 

leave them unlocked. Disconnect 

automatic garage door openers.

 Outside

 • Seal attic and ground vents with precut plywood or commercial seals.

 • Turn off propane tanks.

 • Place combustible patio furniture 

inside.

 • Connect garden hose to outside taps. 

Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and 

near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet 

the roof.

 • Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet 

of the home.

 • Gather fire tools such as a rake, axe, 

handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and 

shovel.

 8. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Choose a route away from the 

fire hazard. Watch for changes in the 

speed and direction of fire and smoke. 

 9. See the “Evacuation” chapter for 

detailed information about evacuation 

preparedness. Also see the “Recovering from Disaster” and “Shelters” 

chapters for additional information. 
72 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Technological 

Hazards

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 

INCIDENTS

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL

EMERGENCIES

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

NATIONAL SECURITY

EMERGENCIES

TERRORISM

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL ATTACK

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY SYSTEM
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 73

Hazardous 

Materials 

Incidents

Chemicals are found everywhere: 

they purify drinking water, increase 

crop production, and simplify 

household chore. But the 

same chemical properties 

that can help us can also be 

hazardous to humans or the 

environment if chemicals are 

used or released improperly 

or accidentally. Hazards can 

occur during production, 

storage, transportation, us 

or disposal. You, your family members, neighbors, and 

your local community are 

the ones at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or relased in harmful 

amounts into the environment where you 

live, work or play. 

Chemical plants are one source of hazardous materials, but there are many others. 

Your local service station stores gasoline 

and diesel fuel, hospitals store a range of 

radioactive and flammable materials, and 

there are about 30,000 hazardous materials waste sites in the country.

Many communities have Local Emergency 

Planning Committees (LEPCs) that identify 

industrial hazardous materials and keep 

the community informed of the potential 

risk. All companies that have hazardous 

chemicals must report annually to the 

LEPC. The public is encouraged to participate in the process. Contact your local 

emergency management office to find out 

if your community has an LEPC and how 

you can participate. 

What to do before a hazardous 

materials incident

 1. Ask your local emergency management 

office (or fire or police department) 

about warning procedures. These 

could include:

 • Outdoor warning sirens or horns.

 • Emergency Alert System (EAS)—

Information provided via radio and 

television. 

• “All-Call” telephoning—

An automated system for 

sending recorded messages.

• News media—Radio, television and cable.

• Residential route alerting—Messages announced to 

neighborhoods from vehicles 

equipped with public address 

systems.

 2. Ask your LEPC or emergency management office about community plans 

for responding to a hazardous materials accident at a plant or other facility, 

or a transportation accident involving 

hazardous materials. 

If you witness 

a hazardous 

materials 

accident, call 

911, your local 

emergency 

notification 

number or the fire 

department.
74 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 3. Ask your LEPC about storage and usage of hazardous chemicals in your 

local area. 

 4. Use the information gathered from 

LEPC and local emergency management offices to evaluate risks to your 

household. Determine how close you 

are to factories, freeways, or railroads 

that may produce or transport toxic 

waste.

 5. Be prepared to evacuate. An evacuation could last for a few hours or several days. See the “Evacuation” and “Emergency 

Planning and Disaster 

Supplies” chapters for 

important information.

 6. Be prepared to shelterin-place; that is, to seek 

safety in your home or 

any other building you 

might be in at the time 

of a chemical release. At 

home you should select 

a room to be used as 

a shelter. The shelter 

room for use in case of 

a hazardous material incident should 

be above ground, large enough to accommodate all household members 

and pets, and should have the fewest 

possible exterior doors and windows. 

When selecting a shelter-in-place, 

avoid the furnace or utility room. You 

should also assemble a shelter kit to 

be used to seal the shelter room during a chemical release. The kit should 

include plastic sheeting, duct tape, 

scissors, and modeling clay or other 

material to stuff into cracks. 

What to do during a hazardous 

materials incident

 1. If you witness a hazardous materials 

accident where smoke or fumes are being released, call 911, your local emergency notification number or the fire 

department as soon as safely possible.

 2. If you hear a warning signal, listen to 

local radio or television stations for 

further information. Follow instructions carefully.

3. Stay away from the incident site to minimize the risk 

of contamination. Remember 

that some toxic chemicals are 

odorless.

4. If you are caught outside 

during an incident, remember that gases and mists are 

generally heavier than air. Try 

to stay upstream, uphill and 

upwind—hazardous materials 

can quickly be transported by 

water and wind. In general, 

try to go at least one-half mile 

(8 –10 city blocks) from the 

danger area; for many incidents you will 

need to go much further.

 5. If you are in a motor vehicle, stop and 

seek shelter in a permanent building if possible. If you must remain in 

your car, keep car windows and vents 

closed and shut off the air conditioner 

and heater. 

 6. If asked to evacuate your home, do so 

immediately.

 • If authorities indicate there is 

enough time, close all windows, shut 

vents and turn off attic, heating and 

air conditioning fans to minimize 

contamination. 

 • See the “Evacuation” chapter for 

more information.

An evacuation 

due to a 

hazardous 

materials incident 

could last for 

a few hours or 

several days. 

Be prepared in 

advance.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 75

 7. If you are requested to stay indoors 

(shelter-in-place) rather than evacuate:

 • Follow all instructions given by 

emergency authorities.

 • Get household members and pets 

inside as quickly as possible. 

 • Close and lock all exterior doors 

and windows. Close vents, fireplace 

dampers and as many interior doors 

as possible.

 • Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. In large buildings, 

building superintendents should set 

all ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside 

air is drawn into the building. If this 

is not possible, ventilation systems 

should be turned off.

 • Go into the pre-selected shelter room 

(the above-ground room with the 

fewest openings to the outside). Take 

a battery-powered radio, water, sanitary supplies, a flashlight, and the 

shelter kit containing plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, and modeling clay or other materials to stuff 

into cracks.

 • Close doors and windows in the 

room. Tape around the sides, bottom, and top of the door. Cover each 

window and vent in the room with 

a single piece of plastic sheeting, 

taping all around the edges of the 

sheeting to provide a continuous 

seal. If there are any cracks or holes 

in the room, such as those around 

pipes entering a bathroom, fill them 

with modeling clay or other similar 

material.

 • Do not use any major appliances 

located in your shelter-in-place such 

as the furnace, oven/range, clothes 

dryer or washing machine.

 • Remain in the room, listening to 

emergency broadcasts on the radio, 

until authorities advise you to leave 

your shelter.

 • If authorities warn of the possibility of an outdoor explosion, close all 

drapes, curtains, and shades in the 

room. Stay away from windows to 

prevent injury from breaking glass.

 • When authorities advise people in 

your area to leave their shelters, 

open all doors and windows and 

turn on air conditioning and ventilation systems. These measures will 

flush out any chemicals that infiltrated into the building.

 • See the “Shelter” chapter for more 

information.

 8. Schools and other public buildings 

may institute procedures to shelter 

in place. If there is a hazardous 

materials incident and your children 

are at school, you will probably not 

be permitted to drive to the school to 

pick up your children. Even if you go 

to the school, the doors will probably 

be locked to keep your children safe. 

Follow the directions of your local 

emergency officials. 

 9. If you cannot escape from the vicinity of the release, avoid contact with 

spilled liquids, airborne mists or 

condensed solid chemical deposits. 

Keep your body fully covered to provide 

some protection. Wear gloves, socks, 

shoes, pants and long sleeved shirts.

10. Do not eat or drink food or water that 

may have been contaminated.

11. If indoors, fill the bathtub and large 

containers with water for drinking, 

cooking, and dishwashing. (NOTE: 

before using the bathtub or other containers to hold potable water, sterilize 

them with a diluted bleach solution 

— one part bleach to ten parts water). 

Be prepared to turn off the main water 

intake valve in case authorities advise 

you to do so.
76 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do after an incident

 1. Do not return home until local authorities say it is safe. 

2. Upon returning home, open windows, 

vents and turn on fans to provide 

ventilation.

 3. A person or item that has been exposed 

to a hazardous chemical may be contaminated and could contaminate other 

people or items. If you have come in 

contact with or have been exposed to 

hazardous chemicals, you should:

 • Follow decontamination 

instructions from local 

authorities. (Depending 

on the chemical, you 

may be advised to take 

a thorough shower, or 

you may be advised to 

stay away from water 

and follow another procedure.)

 • Seek medical treatment 

for unusual symptoms 

as soon as possible.

 • If medical help is not 

immediately available and you think 

you might be contaminated, remove 

all of your clothing and shower thoroughly (unless local authorities say 

the chemical is water reactive and 

advise you to do otherwise). Change 

into fresh, loose clothing and seek 

medical help as soon as possible.

 • Place exposed clothing and shoes 

in tightly sealed containers. Do not 

allow them to contact other materials. Call local authorities to find 

out about proper disposal. 

 • Advise everyone who comes in 

contact with you that you may have 

been exposed to a toxic substance.

 4. Find out from local authorities how to 

clean up your land and property.

 5. Report any lingering vapors or other 

hazards to your local emergency 

services office.

 6. See the “Recovering from Disaster” and 

“Shelter” chapters for more information.

Household Chemical 

Emergencies

Nearly every household uses products containing hazardous materials. Although the risk of a chemical 

accident is slight, knowing how 

to handle these products and 

how to react during an emergency can reduce the risk of 

injury.

How to prepare for 

household chemical 

emergencies

1. Contact agencies with expertise on hazardous household 

materials, such as your local 

public health department, fire department, or the Environmental Protection 

Agency, for information about potentially 

dangerous household products. 

 2. It is important that you always use, 

store, and dispose of hazardous materials safely: 

 • Follow the instructions for storage, 

use, and disposal provided on the 

label.

 • Use and store products containing 

hazardous substances carefully to 

prevent accidents at home. Never 

store hazardous products in food 

containers. Keep products containing 

hazardous materials in their original 

containers and never remove the labels. Corroding containers, however, 

If you spill a 

chemical, clean 

it up immediately 

with rags. Be 

careful to protect 

your eyes with 

eyeglasses or 

goggles and your 

skin with gloves. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 77

should be repackaged and clearly 

labeled. This will prevent accidental 

ingestion and also can help protect 

sanitation workers.

 • Never mix household hazardous chemicals or waste with other 

products. Incompatibles, such as 

chlorine bleach and ammonia, may 

react, ignite, or explode; contaminated household hazardous waste may 

become unrecyclable.

 • Take household hazardous waste to a 

local collection program. Check with 

your county, or state environmental 

or solid waste agency to learn if there 

is a household hazardous waste collection program in your area.

 3. Never smoke while using household 

chemicals. Do not use hair spray, 

cleaning solutions, paint products, or 

pesticides near an open flame, pilot 

light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood 

burning stove, etc. Although you may 

not be able to see or smell them, vapor 

particles in the air could catch fire or 

explode.

 4. If you spill a chemical, clean it up 

immediately with rags. Be careful to 

protect your eyes and skin (wear gloves 

and eye protection). Allow the fumes 

in the rags to evaporate outdoors, then 

dispose of the rags by wrapping them 

in a newspaper and placing them in a 

sealed plastic bag in your trash can.

 5. Buy only as much of a chemical as 

you think you will use. Leftover material can be shared with neighbors 

or donated to a business, charity, or 

government agency. Excess pesticide 

could be offered to a greenhouse or 

garden center, for example, and theater 

groups often need surplus paint. Some 

communities have organized waste 

exchanges where household hazardous 

chemicals and waste can be swapped 

or given away. Storing hazardous 

chemicals increases risk of chemical 

emergencies.

 6. Keep an A-B-C-rated fire extinguisher 

in the home and car, and get training 

from your local fire department on how 

to use it. 

 7. Learn to detect hazardous materials. 

Many hazardous materials do not have 

a taste or an odor, and some can be 

detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering eyes or 

nausea. Other hazardous materials 

exist beneath the ground and can be 

recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance. 

 8. Learn to recognize the symptoms of 

toxic poisoning:

 • Difficulty breathing

 • Irritation of the eyes, skin, throat or 

respiratory tract

 • Changes in skin color

 • Headache or blurred vision

 • Dizziness

 • Clumsiness or lack of coordination

 • Cramps or diarrhea

 9. Post the number of the nearest poison 

control center by all telephones. In an 

emergency situation you may not have 

time to look up critical phone numbers. 

The national poison control number is 

1-800-222-1222. 

10. Keep Syrup of Ipecac and Activated 

Charcoal on hand in case of accidental 

poisoning. DO NOT administer these 

antidotes until a poison control center 

or another medical professional advises 

you to do so. 
78 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do during a household 

chemical emergency

 1. If your child should eat or drink a nonfood substance, find any containers 

immediately and take them with you to 

the phone. Medical professionals may 

need specific information from the container to give you the best emergency 

advice.

 2. Call the poison control center, emergency medical services (EMS), 911, 

hospital emergency room, county 

health department, fire department or 

your local pharmacy. They will give 

you emergency advice while you wait 

for emergency services to arrive. You 

should have such numbers on hand 

for easy access and use.

 3. Follow the emergency operator or 

dispatcher’s instructions carefully. 

The first aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. Do not 

give anything by mouth until medical 

professionals have advised you.

 4. Take immediate action if the chemical 

gets into the eyes. Delaying first aid 

can greatly increase the likelihood of 

injury. Flush the eye with clear, water 

for a minimum of 15 minutes, unless 

authorities instruct you not to use water on the particular chemical involved. 

Continue the cleansing process even 

if the victim indicates he or she is no 

longer feeling any pain, and then seek 

medical attention.

 5. Get out of the residence immediately 

if there is danger of a fire or explosion. 

Do not waste time collecting items or 

calling the fire department when you 

are in danger.

 6. If there is a fire or explosion, call the 

fire department from outside (a cellular phone or a neighbor’s phone) once 

you are safely away from danger. 

 7. Stay upwind and away from the residence to avoid breathing toxic fumes.

 8. Wash hands, arms, or other body 

parts that may have been exposed to 

the chemical. Chemicals may continue to irritate the skin until they are 

washed off.

 9. Discard clothing that may have been 

contaminated. Some chemicals may 

not wash out completely. Discarding 

clothes will prevent potential future 

exposure.

10. Administer first aid treatment to victims of chemical burns.

 • Call 911 for emergency help.

 • Remove clothing and jewelry from 

around the injury.

 • Pour clean, cool water over the burn 

for 15 to 30 minutes.

 • Loosely cover the burn with a sterile 

or clean dressing. Be sure that the 

dressing will not stick to the burn.

 • Refer victim to a medical professional for further treatment.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 79

Nuclear Power 

Plants

Nuclear power plants operate in 

most states in the country and 

produce about 20 percent of the 

nation’s power. Nearly three million Americans live within 10 miles of an operating 

nuclear power plant.

Although the construction and operation 

of these facilities are closely monitored and 

regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents at these plants 

are possible. An accident could result in 

dangerous levels of radiation that could 

affect the health and safety of the public 

living near the nuclear power plant.

Local and state governments, federal 

agencies and the electric utilities have 

emergency response plans in the event of 

a nuclear power plant incident. The plans 

define two “emergency planning zones.” 

One covers an area within a ten-mile radius of the plant where it is possible that 

people could be harmed by direct radiation exposure. The second zone covers 

a broader area, usually up to a 50-mile 

radius from the plant, where radioactive 

materials could contaminate water supplies, food crops and livestock.

Understanding radiation

Radioactive materials are composed of 

atoms that are unstable. An unstable atom 

gives off its excess energy until it becomes 

stable. The energy emitted is radiation.

Each of us is exposed to radiation daily 

from natural sources, including the sun 

and earth. Small traces of radiation are 

present in food and water. Radiation also 

is released from man-made sources such 

as x-ray machines, television sets and microwave ovens. Nuclear power plants use 

the heat generated from nuclear fission in 

a contained environment to convert water 

to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity.

Radiation has a cumulative effect. The 

longer a person is exposed to radiation, the 

greater the effect. A high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death. 

The potential danger from an accident at a 

nuclear power plant is exposure to radiation. This exposure could come from the 

release of radioactive material from the 

plant into the environment, usually characterized by a plume (cloud-like) formation 

of radioactive gases and particles. The 

area the radioactive release may affect is 

determined by the amount released from 

the plant, wind direction and speed, and 

weather conditions. The major hazards to 

people in the vicinity of the plume are radiation exposure to the body from the cloud 

and particles deposited on the ground, 

inhalation of radioactive materials, and 

ingestion of radioactive materials. 

If an accident at a nuclear power plant 

were to release radiation in your area, 
80 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

local authorities would activate warning 

sirens or another approved alerting method. They would also instruct you through 

the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local 

television and radio stations on how to 

protect yourself.

The three ways to minimize radiation exposure are: distance, shielding and time:

• Distance. The more distance between 

you and the source of the radiation the 

better. In a serious nuclear power plant 

accident, local authorities will call for 

an evacuation to increase the distance 

between you and the radiation. 

• Shielding. Like distance, 

the more heavy, dense 

material between you and 

the source of the radiation 

the better. This is why 

local authorities could advise you to remain indoors 

if an accident occurs at 

a nearby nuclear power 

plant. In some cases, the 

walls in your home would 

be sufficient shielding to 

protect you.

• Time. Most radioactivity loses its 

strength fairly quickly. In a nuclear 

power plant accident, local authorities 

will monitor any release of radiation 

and determine when the threat has 

passed.

What to do before a nuclear power 

plant emergency

 1. Know the terms used 

to describe a nuclear emergency:

 • Notification of Unusual Event—A 

small problem has occurred at the 

plant. No radiation leak is expected. 

Federal, state and county officials 

will be told right away. No action 

on your part will be necessary.

 • Alert—A small problem has occurred, and small amounts of radiation could leak inside the plant. 

This will not affect you. You should 

not have to do anything.

 • Site Area Emergency—A more 

serious problem. Small amounts of 

radiation could leak from the plant. 

If necessary, state and county officials will act to assure public safety. 

Area sirens may be sounded. Listen 

to your radio or television for 

safety information. 

• General Emergency—The 

most serious problem. Radiation could leak outside the 

plant and off the plant site. 

The sirens will sound. Tune 

to your local radio or television 

station for reports. State and 

county officials will act to 

protect the public. Be prepared to follow instructions 

promptly.

2. Learn your community’s 

warning system. Nuclear power plants 

are required to install sirens and other 

warning systems (flash warning lights) 

to cover a ten-mile area around the 

plant.

 • Find out when the warning systems 

will be tested next. 

 • When tested in your area, determine 

whether you can hear and/or see 

sirens and flash warning lights from 

your home.

 3. Obtain public emergency information 

materials from the power company 

that operates your local nuclear power 

plant or your local emergency services 

office. If you live within 10 miles of the 

power plant, you should receive these 

materials yearly from the power comThe three ways 

to minimize 

radiation 

exposure 

are distance, 

shielding and 

time.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 81

pany or your state or local government.

 4. Learn the emergency plans for schools, 

day care centers, nursing homes and 

other places where members of your 

household frequent. Learn where 

people would go in case of evacuation. 

Stay tuned to your local radio and television stations.

 5. Be prepared to evacuate.

 • Prepare a disaster supplies kit (see 

the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter). 

 • Consider your transportation options. If 

you do not own or drive 

a car, ask your local 

emergency manager 

about plans for people 

without private vehicles. (See the “Evacuation” chapter for 

important details.)

What to do during a 

nuclear power plant 

emergency

 1. Listen to the warning. Not all incidents 

result in the release of radiation. The 

incident could be contained inside the 

plant and pose no danger to the public.

 2. Stay tuned to local radio or television. 

Local authorities will provide specific 

information and instructions.

 • The advice given will depend on 

the nature of the emergency, how 

quickly it is evolving and how much 

radiation, if any, is likely to be released. 

 • Local instructions should take precedence over any advice given in this 

handbook. 

 • Review the public information materials you received from the power 

company or government officials.

 3. Evacuate if you are advised to do so.

 • Close and lock doors and windows. 

 • Keep car windows and vents closed; 

use re-circulating air.

 • Listen to radio for evacuation routes 

and other instructions.

 • See the “Evacuation” chapter for 

important details.

4. If you are not advised to evacuate, remain indoors.

• Close doors and windows.

• Turn off the air conditioner, 

ventilation fans, furnace and 

other air intakes.

• Go to a basement or other 

underground area if possible.

• Keep a battery-powered 

radio with you at all times.

5. Shelter livestock and give 

them stored feed, if time 

permits.

 6. Do not use the 

telephone unless absolutely necessary. 

Lines will be needed for emergency 

calls.

 7. If you suspect exposure, take a thorough shower.

 • Change clothes and shoes.

 • Put exposed clothing in a plastic 

bag.

 • Seal the bag and place it out of the 

way.

 8. Put food in covered containers or in 

the refrigerator. Food not previously 

covered should be washed before being 

put in containers.

Learn your 

community’s 

warning system 

and the emergency 

plans for schools, 

day care centers, 

nursing homes 

and other places 

your household 

frequents.
82 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do after a nuclear power 

plant emergency

 1. If you evacuated, do not return home 

until local authorities say it is safe. 

 2. If you were advised to stay in your 

home, do not go outside until local 

authorities indicate it is safe.

 3. Seek medical treatment for any unusual symptoms, like nausea, that may be 

related to radiation exposure. 

 4. See the “Shelter” and “Recovering 

from Disaster” chapters for more 

information.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 83

National 

Security 

Emergencies

I

n addition to the natural and technological hazards described in this 

publication, Americans face threats 

posed by hostile governments or extremist 

groups. These threats to national security 

include acts of terrorism and acts of war.

The following is general information about 

national security emergencies. For more 

information about how to prepare for 

them, including volunteering in a Citizen 

Corps program, see the “For More Information” chapter at the end of this guide. 

Terrorism

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United 

States for purposes of intimidation, 

coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use 

threats to create fear among the public, to 

try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, 

and to get immediate publicity for their 

causes. 

Acts of terrorism range from threats of 

terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings, 

hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, 

cyber attacks (computer-based), to the 

use of chemical, biological and nuclear 

weapons.

High-risk targets include military and 

civilian government facilities, international 

airports, large cities and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large 

public gatherings, water and food supplies, 

utilities, and corporate centers. Further, 

they are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological 

agents through the mail.

In the immediate area of a terrorist event, 

you would need to rely on police, fire and 

other officials for instructions. However, 

you can prepare in much the same way 

you would prepare for other crisis events.

Preparing for terrorism

 1. Wherever you are, be aware of your 

surroundings. The very nature of 

terrorism suggests there may be little 

or no warning.

 2. Take precautions when traveling. Be 

aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from 

strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious 

or unattended packages and strange 

devices should be promptly reported to 

the police or security personnel.

 3. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you 

feel uncomfortable or if something does 

not seem right.
84 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 4. Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter 

unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get 

out of a building, subway or congested 

public area or traffic. Note where 

staircases are located. Notice heavy or 

breakable objects that could move, fall 

or break in an explosion.

 5. Assemble a disaster supplies kit at 

home and learn first aid. Separate the 

supplies you would take if you had to 

evacuate quickly, and put them in a 

backpack or container, ready to go.

 6. Be familiar with different types of fire 

extinguishers and how to locate them. 

Know the location and availability of 

hard hats in buildings in which you 

spend a lot of time.

Protection against cyber attacks

Cyber attacks target computer or telecommunication networks of critical infrastructures such as power systems, traffic 

control systems, or financial systems. 

Cyber attacks target information technologies (IT) in three different ways. First, 

is a direct attack against an information 

system “through the wires” alone (hacking). Second, the attack can be a physical 

assault against a critical IT element. Third, 

the attack can be from the inside as a result of compromising a trusted party with 

access to the system.

 1. Be prepared to do without services you 

normally depend on that could be disrupted—electricity, telephone, natural 

gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, 

ATM machines, and internet transactions.

 2. Be prepared to respond to official 

instructions if a cyber attack triggers 

other hazards, for example, general 

evacuation, evacuation to shelter, or 

shelter-in-place, because of hazardous 

materials releases, nuclear power plant 

incident, dam or flood control system 

failures.

Preparing for a 

building explosion

Explosions can collapse buildings and 

cause fires. People who live or work in a 

multi-level building can do the following:

 1. Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where emergency exits are 

located.

 2. Keep fire extinguishers in working 

order. Know where they are located, 

and learn how to use them.

 3. Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross for information and training.

 4. Building owners should keep the 

following items in a designated place 

on each floor of the building.

 • Portable, battery-operated radio and 

extra batteries

 • Several flashlights and extra batteries

 • First aid kit and manual

 • Several hard hats

 • Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas

Bomb threats

If you receive a bomb threat, get as much 

information from the caller as possible. 

Keep the caller on the line and record 

everything that is said. Then notify the 

police and the building management.

If you are notified of a bomb threat, do not 

touch any suspicious packages. Clear the 

area around suspicious packages and notify the police immediately. In evacuating 

a building, don’t stand in front of windows, 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 85

glass doors or other potentially hazardous 

areas. Do not block sidewalk or streets to 

be used by emergency officials or others 

still exiting the building.

Suspicious parcels and letters

Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, chemical or biological agents. Be particularly 

cautious at your place of employment.

Some typical characteristics postal inspectors have detected over the 

years, which ought to trigger 

suspicion, include parcels 

that—

 • Are unexpected or from 

someone unfamiliar to you.

 • Have no return address, or 

have one that can’t be verified as legitimate.

 • Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as 

“Personal,” “Confidential” 

or “Do not x-ray.”

 • Have protruding wires or 

aluminum foil, strange odors or stains.

 • Show a city or state in the postmark 

that doesn’t match the return address.

 • Are of unusual weight, given their size, 

or are lopsided or oddly shaped.

 • Are marked with any threatening 

language.

 • Have inappropriate or unusual labeling.

 • Have excessive postage or excessive 

packaging material such as masking 

tape and string.

 • Have misspellings of common words.

 • Are addressed to someone no longer 

with your organization or are otherwise 

outdated.

 • Have incorrect titles or title without a 

name.

 • Are not addressed to a specific person.

 • Have handwritten or poorly typed 

addresses.

With suspicious envelopes and packages 

other than those that might contain explosives, take these additional steps against 

possible biological and chemical agents.

 • Refrain from eating or drinking in a 

designated mail handling area.

 • Place suspicious envelopes or packages 

in a plastic bag or some other 

type of container to prevent 

leakage of contents. Never 

sniff or smell suspect mail.

• If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything 

available (e.g., clothing, paper, 

trash can, etc.) and do not 

remove the cover.

• Leave the room and close 

the door, or section off the 

area to prevent others from 

entering.

 • Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to 

your face.

 • If you are at work, report the incident 

to your building security official or an 

available supervisor, who should notify 

police and other authorities without 

delay.

 • List all people who were in the room 

or area when this suspicious letter or 

package was recognized. Give a copy 

of this list to both the local public 

health authorities and law enforcement 

officials for follow-up investigations and 

advice.

 • If you are at home, report the incident 

to local police.

In the immediate 

area of a 

terrorist event, 

leave quickly 

and orderly. 

Listen to police, 

fire, and other 

officials for 

instructions.
86 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do if there is an explosion 

Leave the building as quickly as possible. 

Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls. If things are 

falling around you, get under a sturdy 

table or desk until they stop falling. Then 

leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. As you exit, be 

expecially watchful of falling debris. 

 1. If there is a fire:

 • Stay low to the floor and exit the 

building as quickly as possible.

 • Cover your nose and mouth with a 

wet cloth.

 • When approaching a closed door, 

use the back of your hand to feel 

the lower, middle and upper parts 

of the door. Never use the palm of 

your hand or fingers to test for heat: 

burning those areas could impair 

your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).

 – If the door is NOT hot, open slowly 

and ensure fire and/or smoke is 

not blocking your escape route. If 

your escape route is blocked, shut 

the door immediately and use an 

alternate escape route, such as a 

window. If clear, leave immediately through the door. Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat 

rise. The air is clearer and cooler 

near the floor.

 – If the door is hot, do not open 

it. Escape through a window. If 

you cannot escape, hang a white 

or light-colored sheet outside the 

window, alerting fire fighters to 

your presence.

 • Heavy smoke and poisonous gases 

collect first along the ceiling. Stay 

below the smoke at all times.

 2. If you are trapped in debris:

 • Do not light a match.

 • Do not move about or kick up dust. 

Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

 • Rhythmically tap on a pipe or wall 

so that rescuers can hear where you 

are. Use a whistle if one is available. 

Shout only as a last resort when 

you hear sounds and think someone 

will hear you—shouting can cause a 

person to inhale dangerous amounts 

of dust. 

Chemical and 

Biological Weapons 

I

n case of a chemical or biological weapon attack near you, authorities will 

instruct you on the best course of action. 

This may be to evacuate the area immediately, to seek shelter at a designated location, or to take immediate shelter where 

you are and seal the premises. The best 

way to protect yourself is to take emergency preparedness measures ahead of 

time and to get medical attention as soon 

as possible, if needed.

Chemical

Chemical warfare agents are poisonous 

vapors, aerosols, liquids or solids that 

have toxic effects on people, animals or 

plants. They can be released by bombs, 

sprayed from aircraft, boats, or vehicles, 

or used as a liquid to create a hazard to 

people and the environment. Some chemical agents may be odorless and tasteless. 

They can have an immediate effect (a few 

seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (several hours to several days). While 

potentially lethal, chemical agents are 

difficult to deliver in lethal concentrations. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 87

Outdoors, the agents often dissipate rapidly. Chemical agents are also difficult to 

produce.

There are six types of agents:

 • Lung-damaging (pulmonary) agents 

such as phosgene, 

 • Cyanide,

 • Vesicants or blister agents such as 

mustard,

 • Nerve agents such as GA (tabun), GB 

(sarin), GD (soman), GF, and VX,

 • Incapacitating agents such 

as BZ, and

 • Riot-control agents (similar 

to MACE).

Biological

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or 

incapacitate people, livestock 

and crops. The three basic 

groups of biological agents 

which would likely be used as 

weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins. 

 1. Bacteria. Bacteria are small free-living 

organisms that reproduce by simple 

division and are easy to grow. The 

diseases they produce often respond to 

treatment with antibiotics.

 2. Viruses. Viruses are organisms which 

require living cells in which to reproduce and are intimately dependent 

upon the body they infect. Viruses 

produce diseases which generally do 

not respond to antibiotics. However, 

antiviral drugs are sometimes effective. 

 3. Toxins. Toxins are poisonous 

substances found in, and extracted 

from, living plants, animals, or microorganisms; some toxins can be produced or altered by chemical means. 

Some toxins can be treated with specific antitoxins and selected drugs.

Most biological agents are difficult to grow 

and maintain. Many break down quickly 

when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, while others such as 

anthrax spores are very long lived. They 

can be dispersed by spraying them in the 

air, or infecting animals which carry the 

disease to humans as well through food 

and water contamination.

• Aerosols—Biological agents are dispersed into the air, forming 

a fine mist that may drift for 

miles. Inhaling the agent may 

cause disease in people or 

animals. 

• Animals—Some diseases 

are spread by insects and 

animals, such as fleas, mice, 

flies, and mosquitoes. Deliberately spreading diseases 

through livestock is also 

referred to as agroterrorism.

• Food and water contamination—Some pathogenic organisms and toxins may persist in food 

and water supplies. Most microbes can 

be killed, and toxins deactivated, by 

cooking food and boiling water.

 Anthrax spores formulated as a white 

powder were mailed to individuals in 

the government and media in the fall of 

2001. Postal sorting machines and the 

opening of letters dispersed the spores 

as aerosols. Several deaths resulted. 

The effect was to disrupt mail service 

and to cause a widespread fear of handling delivered mail among the public.

Person-to-person spread of a few 

infectious agents is also possible. 

Humans have been the source of 

infection for smallpox, plague, and 

the Lassa viruses. 

Be aware 

of your 

surroundings. 

The very nature 

of terrorism 

suggests that 

there may 

be little or no 

warning.
88 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

What to do to prepare for a 

chemical or biological attack

 • Talk to your doctor to ensure all required or suggested immunizations are 

up to date.

 • Assemble a disaster supplies kit (see 

the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter for more information) and be sure to include:

 • Battery-powered commercial radio with 

extra batteries.

 • Non-perishable food and 

drinking water.

 • Roll of duct tape and scissors.

 • Plastic for doors, windows 

and vents for the room in 

which you will shelter in 

place—this should be an 

internal room where you 

can block out air that may 

contain hazardous chemical or biological agents. To 

save critical time during 

an emergency, sheeting 

should be pre-measured and cut for 

each opening.

 • First aid kit.

 • Sanitation supplies including soap, 

water and bleach.

What to do during a chemical or 

biological attack

 1. Listen to your radio for instructions 

from authorities such as whether to 

remain inside or to evacuate.

 2. If you are instructed to remain in your 

home, the building where you are, or 

other shelter during a chemical or biological attack:

 • Turn off all ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners, vents and fans.

 • Seek shelter in an internal room, 

preferably one without windows. 

Seal the room with duct tape and 

plastic sheeting. Ten square feet of 

floor space per person will provide 

sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide build-up for up to five hours. 

(See “Shelter” chapter.)

 • When selecting a shelter-in-place, 

avoid the furnace or utility room.

 • Do not use any major appliances 

located in your shelter-in-place such 

as the furnace, oven/range, 

clothes dryer or washing machine.

• Remain in protected areas 

where toxic vapors are reduced or eliminated, and be 

sure to take your battery-operated radio with you.

3. If you are caught in an unprotected area, you should:

• Attempt to get up-wind of 

the contaminated area.

• Attempt to find shelter inside a building as quickly as 

possible.

 • Listen to your radio for official instructions.

 4. If you are in a vehicle and are unable 

to go inside a building, stay in the verhicle, roll up the windows, turn off the 

engine and shut all vents.

What to do after a chemical attack

Immediate symptoms of exposure to chemical agents may include blurred vision, eye 

irritation, difficulty breathing and nausea. 

A person affected by a chemical or biological agent requires immediate attention by 

professional medical personnel. If medical 

help is not immediately available, decontaminate yourself and assist in decontaminating others. Decontamination is needed 

The best 

protection 

against a 

chemical or 

biological attack 

would come from 

being prepared 

and getting 

quick medical 

attention.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 89

within minutes of exposure to minimize 

health consequences. Use extreme caution when helping others who have been 

exposed to chemical agents. (However, you 

should not leave the safety of a shelter to 

go outdoors to help others until authorities 

announce it is safe to do so.)

To decontaminate, follow these procedures:

 1. Remove items in contact with the body, 

including jewelry (rings, watches, etc) 

and other items such as hair clips. 

Contaminated clothing normally removed over the head should be cut off 

to avoid contact with the eyes, nose, 

and mouth. Put into a plastic bag if 

possible. Decontaminate hands using 

soap and water. Remove eyeglasses or 

contact lenses. Put glasses in a pan of 

household bleach to decontaminate. 

 2. Remove all items in contact with the 

body.

 3. Flush eyes with lots of water.

 4. Gently wash face and hair with soap 

and water; then thoroughly rinse with 

water.

 5. Decontaminate other body areas 

likely to have been contaminated. Blot 

(do not swab or scrape) with a cloth 

soaked in soapy water and rinse with 

clear water.

 6. Change into uncontaminated clothes. 

Clothing stored in drawers or closets is 

likely to be uncontaminated.

 7. If possible, proceed to a medical facility 

for screening. 

What to do after a biological attack

In many biological attacks, people will not 

know they have been exposed to an agent. 

In such situations, the first evidence of 

an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by an agent 

exposure, and you should seek immediate 

medical attention for treatment. 

In some situations, like the anthrax letters sent in 2001, people may be alerted 

to a potential exposure. If this is the case, 

pay close attention to all official warnings 

and instructions on how to proceed. The 

delivery of medical services for a biological event may be handled differently to 

respond to increased demand. Again, it 

will be important for you to pay attention 

to official instructions via radio, television, 

and emergency alert systems.

If your skin or clothing comes in contact 

with a visible, potentially infectious substance, you should remove and bag your 

clothes and personal items and wash 

yourself with warm soapy water immediately. Put on clean clothes and seek medical assistance.

For more information, visit the website for 

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.bt.cdc.gov.

Nuclear and 

Radiological Attack

Nuclear explosions can cause deadly effects—blinding light, intense 

heat (thermal radiation), initial nuclear 

radiation, blast, fires started by the heat 

pulse, and secondary fires caused by the 

destruction. Surface level explosions also 

produce radioactive particles called fallout 

that can be carried by wind for hundreds 

of miles.

Terrorist use of a radiological dispersion 

device (RDD)—often called ”dirty nuke” 

or “dirty bomb”—is considered far more 

likely than use of a nuclear device. These 

radiological weapons are a combination of 

conventional explosives and radioactive 

material designed to scatter dangerous
90 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

and sub-lethal amounts of radio- active material over a general area. Such 

radiological weapons appeal to terrorists 

because they require very little technical 

knowledge to build and deploy compared 

to that of a nuclear device. Also, these radioactive materials, used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry and research, 

are much more readily available and easy 

to obtain compared to weapons grade uranium or plutonium.

Terrorist use of a nuclear device would 

probably be limited to a single smaller 

“suitcase” weapon. The strength of such 

a weapon would be in the 

range of the bombs used 

during World War II. The 

nature of the effects would be 

the same as a weapon delivered by an inter-continental 

missile, but the area and 

severity of the effects would 

be significantly more limited.

There is no way of knowing 

how much warning time there 

would be before an attack by 

a terrorist using a nuclear or radiological 

weapon. A surprise attack remains a possibility.

The danger of a massive strategic nuclear 

attack on the United States involving 

many weapons receded with the end of 

the Cold War. However, some terrorists 

have been supported by nations that have 

nuclear weapons programs.

If there were threat of an attack from a 

hostile nation, people living near potential 

targets could be advised to evacuate or 

they could decide on their own to evacuate 

to an area not considered a likely target. 

Protection from radioactive fallout would 

require taking shelter in an underground 

area, or in the middle of a large building.

In general, potential targets include:

 • Strategic missile sites and military 

bases.

 • Centers of government such as Washington, D.C., and state capitals.

 • Important transportation and communication centers.

 • Manufacturing, industrial, technology 

and financial centers.

 • Petroleum refineries, electrical power 

plants and chemical plants.

 • Major ports and airfields.

Taking shelter during a nuclear attack is 

absolutely necessary. There are two kinds 

of shelters—blast and fallout.

Blast shelters offer some protection against blast pressure, 

initial radiation, heat and fire, 

but even a blast shelter could 

not withstand a direct hit from 

a nuclear detonation.

Fallout shelters do not need 

to be specially constructed for 

that purpose. They can be 

any protected space, provided 

that the walls and roof are 

thick and dense enough to 

absorb the radiation given off by fallout 

particles. The three protective factors of a 

fallout shelter are shielding, distance, and 

time.

 • Shielding. The more heavy, dense materials—thick walls, concrete, bricks, 

books and earth—between you and the 

fallout particles, the better.

 • Distance. The more distance between 

you and the fallout particles, the better. 

An underground area, such as a home 

or office building basement, offers more 

protection than the first floor of a building. A floor near the middle of a highrise may be better, depending on what is 

nearby at that level on which significant 

fallout particles would collect. Flat roofs 

collect fallout particles so the top floor is 

not a good choice, nor is a floor adjacent 

to a neighboring flat roof.

Most electronic 

equipment 

within 1,000 

miles of a highaltitude nuclear 

detonation could 

be damaged by 

EMP.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 91

 • Time. Fallout radiation loses its intensity fairly rapidly. In time, you will be 

able to leave the fallout shelter. Radioactive fallout poses the greatest threat 

to people during the first two weeks, by 

which time it has declined to about 1% 

of its initial radiation level.

Remember that any protection, however 

temporary, is better than none at all, and 

the more shielding, distance and time you 

can take advantage of, the better.

Electromagnetic pulse

In addition to other effects, a nuclear 

weapon detonated in or above the earth’s 

atmosphere can create an electromagnetic 

pulse (EMP), a high-density electrical field. 

EMP acts like a stroke of lightning but 

is stronger, faster and briefer. EMP can 

seriously damage electronic devices connected to power sources or antennas. This 

include communication systems, computers, electrical appliances, and automobile 

or aircraft ignition systems. The damage 

could range from a minor interruption 

to actual burnout of components. Most 

electronic equipment within 1,000 miles of 

a high-altitude nuclear detonation could 

be affected. Battery powered radios with 

short antennas generally would not be affected.

Although EMP is unlikely to harm most 

people, it could harm those with pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices. 

What to do before a nuclear or 

radiological attack

 1. Learn the warning signals and all 

sources of warning used in your community. Make sure you know what the 

signals are, what they mean, how they 

will be used, and what you should do if 

you hear them.

 2. Assemble and maintain a disaster supplies kit with food, water, medications, 

fuel and personal items adequate for 

up to 2 weeks—the more the better. 

(See the “Emergency Planning and 

Disaster Supplies” chapter for more 

information).

 3. Find out what public buildings in your 

community may have been designated 

as fallout shelters. It may have been 

years ago, but start there, and learn 

which buildings are still in use and 

could be designated as shelters again. 

 • Call your local emergency management office.

 • Look for yellow and black fallout 

shelter signs on public buildings. 

Note: With the end of the Cold War, 

many of the signs have been 

removed from the buildings previously designated.

 • If no noticeable or official designations have been made, make your 

own list of potential shelters near 

your home, workplace and school: 

basements, or the windowless center 

area of middle floors in high-rise 

buildings, as well as subways and 

tunnels.

 • Give your household clear instructions about where fallout shelters 

are located and what actions to take 

in case of attack.

 4. If you live in an apartment building or 

high-rise, talk to the manager about 

the safest place in the building for 

sheltering, and about providing for 

building occupants until it is safe to 

go out.

 5. There are few public shelters in many 

suburban and rural areas. If you are 

considering building a fallout shelter at 

home, keep the following in mind.

 • A basement, or any underground 

area, is the best place to shelter from 
92 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 fallout. Often, few major changes are 

needed, especially if the structure has 

two or more stories and its basement—

or one corner of it—is below ground.

 • Fallout shelters can be used for 

storage during non-emergency periods, but only store things there that 

can be very quickly removed. (When 

they are removed, dense, heavy 

items may be used to add to the 

shielding.)

 5. There are few public shelters in 

many suburban and rural areas. If 

you are considering building a fallout shelter at home, keep the following in mind.

 • See the “Tornadoes” section in the 

“Thunderstorms” chapter for information on the “Wind Safe Room,” 

which could be used as shelter in 

the event of a nuclear detonation or 

for fallout protection, especially in a 

home without a basement.

 • All the items you will need for your 

stay need not be stocked inside 

the shelter itself but can be stored 

elsewhere, as long as you can move 

them quickly to the shelter.

 6. Learn about your community’s evacuation plans. Such plans may include 

evacuation routes, relocation sites, 

how the public will be notified and 

transportation options for people who 

do not own cars and those who have 

special needs. See the “Evacuation” 

chapter for more information.

 7. Acquire other emergency preparedness 

booklets that you may need. See the 

“For More Information” chapter at the 

end of this guide.

What to do during a nuclear or 

radiological attack

 1. Do not look at the flash or fireball—

it can blind you.

 2. If you hear an attack warning:

 • Take cover as quickly as you can, 

BELOW GROUND IF POSSIBLE, and 

stay there unless instructed to do 

otherwise.

 • If you are caught outside, unable to 

get inside immediately, take cover 

behind anything that might offer 

protection. Lie flat on the ground 

and cover your head.

 • If the explosion is some distance 

away, it could take 30 seconds or 

more for the blast wave to hit.

 3. Protect yourself from radioactive fallout. If you are close enough to see 

the brilliant flash of a nuclear explosion, the fallout will arrive in about 

20 minutes. Take shelter, even if you 

are many miles from ground zero—radioactive fallout can be carried by the 

winds for hundreds of miles. Remember the three protective factors: shielding, distance and time.

 4. Keep a battery-powered radio with 

you, and listen for official information. 

Follow the instructions given. Local 

instructions should always take precedence: officials on the ground know 

the local situation best.

What to do after a nuclear or 

radiological attack

In a public or home shelter:

 1. Do not leave the shelter until officials 

say it is safe. Follow their instructions 

when leaving.

 2. If in a fallout shelter, stay in your shelter until local authorities tell you it is 

permissible or advisable to leave. The 

length of your stay can range from a 

day or two to four weeks.

 • Contamination from a radiological 

dispersion device could affect a wide 

area, depending on the amount of 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 93

conventional explosives used, the 

quantity of radioactive material and 

atmospheric conditions.

 • A “suitcase” terrorist nuclear device 

detonated at or near ground level 

would produce heavy fallout from 

the dirt and debris sucked up into 

the mushroom cloud.

 • A missile-delivered nuclear weapon 

from a hostile nation would probably 

cause an explosion many times more 

powerful than a suitcase bomb, and 

provide a greater cloud of radioactive 

fallout.

 • The decay rate of the 

radioactive fallout 

would be the same, 

making it necessary for 

those in the areas with 

highest radiation levels 

to remain in shelter for 

up to a month.

 • The heaviest fallout 

would be limited to the 

area at or downwind 

from the explosion, 

and 80% of the fallout 

would occur during the 

first 24 hours.

 • Because of these facts and the very 

limited number of weapons terrorists 

could detonate, most of the country 

would not be affected by fallout.

 • People in most of the areas that 

would be affected could be allowed 

to come out of shelter and, if necessary, evacuate to unaffected areas 

within a few days.

3. Although it may be difficult, make every effort to maintain sanitary conditions in your shelter space.

 4. Water and food may be scarce. Use 

them prudently but do not impose severe rationing, especially for children, 

the ill or elderly.

 5. Cooperate with shelter managers. LivLearn how 

to build a 

temporary 

fallout shelter to 

protect yourself 

from radioactive 

fallout even if 

you do not live 

near a potential 

nuclear target.

ing with many people in confined space 

can be difficult and unpleasant.

Returning to your home

 1. Keep listening to the radio for news 

about what to do, where to go, and 

places to avoid.

 2. If your home was within the range of 

a bomb’s shock wave, or you live in 

a high-rise or other apartment building that experienced a non-nuclear

explosion, check first for any sign of 

collapse or damage, such as: 

• toppling chimneys, falling 

bricks, collapsing walls, plaster falling from ceilings.

• fallen light fixtures, pictures 

and mirrors.

• broken glass from windows.

• overturned bookcases, wall 

units or other fixtures.

• fires from broken chimneys.

• ruptured gas and electric 

lines.

3. Immediately clean up 

spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids, and other potentially 

hazardous materials.

 4. Listen to your radio for instructions 

and information about community 

services.

 5. Monitor the radio and your television 

for information on assistance that may 

be provided. Local, state and federal 

governments and other organizations 

will help meet emergency needs and 

help you recover from damage and 

losses.

6. The danger may be aggravated by 

broken water mains and fallen power 

lines.

7. If you turned gas, water and electricity off at the main valves and switch 

before you went to shelter:
94 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 • Do not turn the gas back on. The gas 

company will turn it back on for you 

or you will receive other instructions.

 • Turn the water back on at the main 

valve only after you know the water 

system is working and water is not 

contaminated.

 • Do not turn the gas back on. 

The gas company will turn it back 

on for you or you will receive other 

instructions.

 • Turn the water back on at the main 

valve only after you know the water 

system is working and water is not 

contaminated.

 • Turn electricity back on at the main 

switch only after you know the wiring is undamaged in your home and 

the community electrical system is 

functioning. 

 • Check to see that sewage lines 

are intact before using sanitary 

facilities.

 8. Stay away from damaged areas.

 9. Stay away from areas marked “radiation hazard” or “HAZMAT.”

For more information relevant to terrorism 

consult the following chapters: 

 • The “Earthquakes” chapter for information about protecting yourself when a 

building is shaking or unsafe and the 

Fire chapter for tips on fire safety.

 • The “Hazardous Materials Incidents” 

chapter for information about sealing a 

home.

 • The “Emergency Planning and Disaster 

Supplies” chapter for information about 

preparing a disaster supplies kit.

 • The “Shelter” chapter for measures 

regarding water purification.

 • The “Evacuation” chapter for information about evacuation procedures.

 • The “Recovering from Disaster” chapter 

for information about crisis counseling.

Red

Orange

Yellow

Blue

Green

Although the Homeland Security Advisory System is binding on the executive 

branch, it is voluntary to other levels of 

government and the private sector. There 

are five threat conditions, each identified 

by a description and corresponding color. 

The greater the risk of a terrorist attack, 

the higher the threat condition. Risk 

includes both the probability of an attack occurring and its potential gravity. 

Homeland Security 

Advisory System 

The Homeland Security Advisory System was designed to provide a national framework and comprehensive means 

to disseminate information regarding the 

risk of terrorist acts to federal, state, and 

local authorities and to the American 

people. This system provides warnings 

in the form of a set of graduated “threat 

conditions” that increase as the risk of the 

threat increases. At each threat condition, 

government entities and the private sector, including businesses and schools, 

would implement a corresponding set of 

“protective measures” to further reduce 

vulnerability or increase response capability during a period of heightened alert.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 95

Threat conditions may be assigned for 

the entire nation, or they may be set for 

a particular geographic area or industrial 

sector. Assigned threat conditions will be 

reviewed at regular intervals to determine 

whether adjustments are warranted.

Threat Conditions and Associated 

Protective Measures 

There is always a risk of a terrorist 

threat. Each threat condition assigns a 

level of alert appropriate to the increasing risk of terrorist attacks. Beneath 

each threat condition are some suggested 

protective measures that the government, the private sector, and the public 

can take, recognizing that the heads of 

federal departments and agencies are responsible for developing and implementing appropriate agency-specific protective 

measures: 

Low Condition (Green). This condition is 

declared when there is a low risk of terrorist attacks. Government entities and 

the private sector, including businesses 

and schools, should consider the following protective measures: 

 • Refine and exercise prearranged protective measures; 

 • Ensure personnel receive proper 

training on the Homeland Security 

Advisory System and specific prearranged department or agency protective measures; and 

 • Institute a process to assure that all 

facilities and regulated sectors are 

regularly assessed for vulnerabilities 

to terrorist attacks, and all reasonable measures are taken to mitigate 

these vulnerabilities. 

Members of the public can:

 • Develop a household disaster plan 

and assemble a disaster supplies kit. 

(See “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter).

 Guarded Condition (Blue). This condition is declared when there is a general 

risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to 

the measures taken in the previous 

threat condition, government entities 

and the private sector, including businesses and schools, should consider 

the following protective measures:

 • Check communications with designated emergency response or command locations; 

 • Review and update emergency response procedures; and 

 • Provide the public with any information that would strengthen its ability to act appropriately.

Members of the public, in addition to 

the actions taken for the previous threat 

condition, can:

 • Update their disaster supplies kit;

 • Review their household disaster plan; 

 • Hold a household meeting to discuss 

what members would do and how they 

would communicate in the event of an 

incident; 

 • Develop a more detailed household 

communication plan;

 • Apartment residents should discuss 

with building managers steps to be 

taken during an emergency; and

 • People with special needs should 

discuss their emergency plans with 

friends, family or employers. 

Elevated Condition (Yellow). An Elevated 

Condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the measures taken in the previous 

threat conditions, government entities and 

the private sector, including businesses 

and schools, should consider the following 

protective measures:

 • Increase surveillance of critical 

locations; 

 • Coordinate emergency plans with 

nearby jurisdictions as appropriate; 

 
96 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

 • Assess whether the precise characteristics of the threat require the further 

refinement of prearranged protective 

measures; and 

 • Implement, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans. 

Members of the public, in addition to 

the actions taken for the previous threat 

condition, can:

 • Be observant of any suspicious activity 

and report it to authorities;

 • Contact neighbors to discuss their 

plans and needs;

 • Check with school officials to determine their plans for an emergency and 

procedures to reunite children with 

parents and caregivers; and

 • Update the household communication 

plan.

High Condition (Orange). A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk 

of terrorist attacks. In addition to the 

measures taken in the previous threat 

conditions, federal departments and agencies will congovernment entities and the 

private sector, including businesses and 

schools, should consider the following 

protective measures:

 • Coordinate necessary security efforts 

with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, National Guard or 

other security and armed forces; 

 • Take additional precautions at public 

events, possibly considering alternative venues or even cancellation; 

 • Prepare to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate 

site or dispersing the workforce; and 

 • Restrict access to a threatened facility 

to essential personnel only.

Members of the public, in addition to the 

actions taken for the previous threat conditions, can:

 • Review preparedness measures (including evacuation and sheltering) for 

potential terrorist actions including 

chemical, biological, and radiological 

attacks;

 • Avoid high profile or symbolic locations; and

 • Exercise caution when traveling.

Severe Condition (Red). A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist 

attacks. Under most circumstances, the 

protective measures for a Severe Condition are not intended to be sustained for 

substantial periods of time. In addition to 

the protective measures in the previous 

threat conditions, government entities and 

the private sector, including businesses 

and schools, should consider the following 

protective measures:

 • Increase or redirect personnel to address critical emergency needs; 

 • Assign emergency response personnel 

and pre-position and mobilize specially trained teams or resources; 

 • Monitor, redirect, or constrain transportation systems; and 

 • Close public and government facilities 

not critical for continuity of essential 

operations, especially public safety.

Members of the public, in addition to the 

actions taken for the previous threat conditions, can:

 • Avoid public gathering places such as 

sports arenas, holiday gatherings, or 

other high risk locations;

 • Follow official instructions about restrictions to normal activities;

 • Contact employer to determine status 

of work;

 • Listen to the radio and TV for possible 

advisories or warnings; and

 • Prepare to take protective actions such 

as sheltering-in-place or evacuation if 

instructed to do so by public officials. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 97

For More 

Information

To obtain the following publications, 

visit FEMA online at http://

www.fema.gov/library or by calling 

FEMA’s Distribution Center at 1-800-480-

2520. FEMA can be reached via mail at 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 

P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012. 

Local emergency management offices are 

also good sources for emergency management publications. 

This is FEMA (L-135). Provides an overview of FEMA.

Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen 

Preparedness (H-34). 

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

(L-154). Provides a checklist of suggested 

disaster preparedness steps and activities. 

Also available in Spanish.

Preparing for Emergencies: A Checklist, for People with Mobility Problems

(L-154M). Provides information specific 

to people with limited mobility including 

children, people with disabilities, and the 

elderly.

Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit (L189). Provides a checklist of emergency 

supplies that should be kept in the home 

and contained in a Disaster Supplies Kit. 

Also available in Spanish.

Your Family Disaster Plan (L-191). 

Provides guidelines and instructions to 

help families develop a disaster plan. Also 

available in Spanish.

Emergency Food and Water Supplies

(L-210). Explains how to choose food for 

an emergency kit, emergency cooking, water purification, where to locate emergency 

water, and how to store emergency food 

and water supplies in the home. 

Helping Children Cope with Disaster

(L-196). Provides information on how to 

prep children prior to disaster and how 

to lessen the emotional effects of disaster. 

Also available in Spanish. 

Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book

(FEMA-243). For ages 3-10. Also available in Spanish. 

Adventures of the Disaster Dudes

(FEMA-242). Includes a video and presenters guide for use by an adult with 

children ages 9-11.

Before Disaster Strikes (FEMA-291). 

Contains information on how to make sure 

you are financially prepared to deal with a 

natural disaster. Also available in Spanish.

After Disaster Strikes (FEMA-292). 

Contains information on how to recover 

financially from a natural disaster. Also 

available in Spanish.

Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry (FEMA-141).
98 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

When Disaster Strikes... (L-217). Provides information on donations and volunteer organizations. 

The Adventures of Julia and Robbie: 

The Disaster Twins (FEMA-344). A collection of disaster related stories. Includes 

information on preparedness and how to 

mitigate against disasters.

FEMA for Kids (L-229). Provides information about what FEMA (specifically 

FEMA.gov) has to offer children.

After a Flood: The First Steps (L-198). 

Information for homeowners on preparedness, safety and recovery from a flood.

Community Shelter (FEMA-361). Contains guidance for constructing mass shelters for public refuge in schools, hospitals 

and other places of assembly. 

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six 

Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding (L-235). A brochure about obtaining 

information on how to protect your home 

from flooding.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six 

Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding (FEMA-312). A detailed manual on 

how to protect your home from flooding.

Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House

(L-233). This brochure provides details 

about obtaining information on how to 

build a Wind Safe Room to withstand tornado, hurricane and other high winds.

Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House

(FEMA-320). This manual provides detailed information on how to build a Wind 

Safe Room to withstand tornado, hurricane and other high winds.

Tornado Fact Sheet (L-148). Provides 

safety tips for before, during and after a 

tornado. 

Against the Wind: Protecting Your 

Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage (FEMA-247). 

Avoiding Earthquake Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners. Safety tips for before, during and after an earthquake.

Preparedness in High-Rise Buildings

(FEMA-76). Earthquake safety tips for 

high-rise dwellers.

Learning to Live in Earthquake Country: Preparedness in Apartments and 

Mobile Homes (L-143). Safety tips on 

earthquake preparation for residents of 

apartments and mobile homes.

Family Earthquake Safety Home Hazard Hunt and Drill (FEMA-113). How 

to identify home hazards; how to conduct 

earthquake drills.

Wildfire: Are You Prepared? (L-203). 

Wildfire safety tips, preparedness and 

mitigation techniques. 
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 99

Citizen Corps 

Citizen Corps provides opportunities for 

people across the country to participate in 

a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities 

safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, 

and disasters of all kinds. Through public 

education, training opportunities, and volunteer programs, every American can do 

their part to be better prepared and better 

protected.

Citizen Corps is managed at the local level 

by Citizen Corps Councils, which bring 

together existing crime prevention, natural 

disaster preparedness, and public health 

response networks with the volunteer community and other groups. These Citizen 

Corps Councils will organize public education on disaster mitigation and preparedness, citizen training, and volunteer programs to give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to support their 

community’s emergency services and to 

safeguard themselves and their property.

By participating in Citizen Corps programs, you can make your home, you 

neighborhood and your community a 

safer place to live. To find out more, 

please visit the Citizen Corps website, www.citizencorps.gov or visit

www.fema.gov.

Activities under Citizen Corps include 

existing and new federally sponsored programs administered under the Department 

of Justice (Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service, FEMA (Community 

Emergency Response Teams - CERT), and 

DHHS (Medical Reserve Corps), as well 

as other activities that share the common 

goal of community and family safety.

CERT 

The Community Emergency Response Team 

(CERT) program helps train volunteers 

to assist first responders in emergency 

situations in their communities. CERT 

members give critical support to first 

responders in emergencies, provide 

immediate assistance to victims, organize 

spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, 

and collect disaster intelligence to support 

first responder efforts. The role of a CERT 

volunteer is self-help/neighbor-help 

until such time as trained first-response 

personnel arrive. 

The CERT course is taught in the 

community by a trained team of first 

responders who have completed a CERT 

Train-the-Trainer course conducted by 

their state training office for emergency 

management, or FEMA’s Emergency 

Management Institute (EMI), located 

in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Training of 

CERT volunteers consists of 20 hours of 

instruction on topics that include disaster 

preparedness, disaster fire suppression, 

basic disaster medical operations, and light 

search and rescue operations. 

For additional information on CERT, visit 

www.training.fema.gov.
100 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 

Disaster Public Education Websites

Federal Emergency Management Agency ........................ www.fema.gov

U.S. Fire Administration................................................... www.usfa.fema.gov

Citizen Corps.................................................................. www.citizencorps.gov

Department of Commerce ............................................... www.doc.gov

Department of Health and Human Services .................... www.hhs.gov

Department of Energy..................................................... www.energy.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture....................................... www.usda.gov

Department of Justice .................................................... www.justice.gov

Department of Interior .................................................... www.doi.gov

Environmental Protection Agency ................................... www.epa.gov

U.S. Postal Service.......................................................... www.usps.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.......... www.noaa.gov

National Weather Service................................................ www.nws.noaa.gov

U.S. Geological Survey ................................................... www.usgs.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.................... www.cdc.gov

Food and Drug Administration ........................................ www.fda.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission..................................... www.nrc.gov

American Red Cross ....................................................... www.redcross.org

National Fire Protection Association ............................... www.nfpa.org

Institute for Business and Home Safety ......................... www.ibhs.org
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

ARE YOU READY? 101

Independent Study Courses

To obtain the following Independent Study Courses from FEMA, Write to:

 Independent Study Program 

Emergency Management Institute 

16825 South Seton Avenue 

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Online: www.training.fema.gov

 • IS-1 Emergency Program Manager: An Orientation to the Position

 • IS-2 Emergency Preparedness, USA

 • IS-3 Radiological Emergency Management

 • IS-5 Hazardous Materials: A Citizen’s Orientation

 • IS-7 A Citizen’s Guide to Disaster Assistance 

 • IS-8 Building for the Earthquakes of Tomorrow: Complying with Executive Order 12699 

 • IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National Flood 

Insurance Program (NFIP) 

 • IS-10 Animals in Disaster—Module A, Awareness and Preparedness 

 • IS-11 Animals in Disaster—Module B, Community Planning 

 • IS-120 An Orientation to Community Disaster Exercises 

 • IS-195 Basic Incident Command System 

 • IS-275 The EOC’s Role in Community Preparedness, Response and Recovery Activities

 • IS-279 Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone 

Residential Structures 

 • IS-288 The Role of Voluntary Agencies in Emergency Management 

 • IS-301 Radiological Emergency Response 

 • IS-324 Community Hurricane Preparedness 

 • IS-346 An Orientation to Hazardous Materials for Medical Personnel 

 • IS-393 Introduction to Mitigation 

 • IS-394 Mitigation for Homeowners 

 • IS-513 The Professional in Emergency Management 

 • IS-600 Special Considerations for FEMA Public Assistance Projects 

 • IS-630 Introduction to the Public Assistance Process 

 • SS-534 Emergency Response to Terrorism (presented by the National Fire 

Academy–12 hours).
102 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY