Some disasters, like flood, extreme heat and thunderstorms, can occur anywhere. Others, like earthquakes and hurricanes, are more common in certain parts of the country. Click on the map pointers to learn about disasters that are common where you live. Click the star to learn about disasters that can affect all of us.
Regardless of where you live, the Red Cross Emergency App can help you stay informed. So take a minute to download our FREE app today!
New England
You live in this region if your address is in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut or Massachusetts. You’re at high risk of:
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get caught in a storm while on the road. Avoid driving, stay indoors and dress in layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay warm.
Mid-Atlantic
You live in this region if your address is in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware or Washington, DC. You’re at high risk of:
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get caught in a storm while on the road. Avoid driving, stay indoors and dress in layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay warm.
Midwest
You live in this region if your address is in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas or Missouri. You're at high to moderate risk of:
Sign up for the emergency notification systems that your community uses. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice, and keep an emergency kit in your car. Listen to local radio and television for the latest on safe evacuation routes.
West (Pacific)
You live in this region if your address is in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California or Hawaii. You're at high risk of:
Sign up for the emergency notification systems that your community uses. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice, and keep an emergency kit in your car. Listen to local radio and television for the latest on safe evacuation routes.
Learn about local evacuation plans. Talk to everyone in your household about what you'll do if a landslide happens.
U.S. Territories
You live in this region if your address is in Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan/CNMI, American Samoa or the U.S. Virgin Islands. You're at high to moderate risk of:
Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. As little as 6 inches of floodwater can knock you off of your feet. Remember: "Turn around, don’t drown!"
Stay aware of the heat and heat index. Drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on friends and neighbors who may need help (older adults, people with disabilities, people who are sick, or people with young children).
Keep battery-powered lanterns and flashlights on hand. Don't use candles. Understand how to safely use generators, and never use generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
If you are outside, immediately seek shelter indoors. Remain indoors. Designate a safe place in your home to gather away from windows, glass doors and skylights. Remember: "When the thunder roars, go indoors!"
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get caught in a storm while on the road. Avoid driving, stay indoors and dress in layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay warm.
South and Southeast
You live in this region if your address is in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas or Oklahoma. You're at high risk of:
Sign up for the emergency notification systems that your community uses. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice, and keep an emergency kit in your car. Listen to local radio and television for the latest on safe evacuation routes.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get caught in a storm while on the road. Avoid driving, stay indoors and dress in layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay warm.
The American Red Cross responds to an average of about 65,000 disasters every year. The Red Cross website has lots of information on how you can prepare and protect your home and your family from disasters in your community.
