Each type of disaster brings its own unique challenges, but the steps listed here are applicable to many different situations. For information on specific types of disasters and emergencies, please visit our Disaster and Safety Library.
- Check the area around you for safety. Listen for instructions on local radio or television stations about safe places to go.
- Have injuries treated by a medical professional. Wash small wounds with soap and water and apply bandages to help prevent infection of small wounds. Replace them if they become soiled, damaged or waterlogged.
- Some natural hazards may recur over the next several days. Severe storms can be followed by new storms, and earthquakes can have aftershocks. Take all safety precautions if the hazard strikes again. For an earthquake aftershock, remember to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON, just like you did during the initial earthquake.
- Avoid using the telephone (cellular or landlines) if a large number of homes in your area have been affected by a disaster. Emergency responders need to have the telephone lines available to coordinate their response. Immediately after the disaster time, only use the telephone to report life-threatening conditions or call your out-of-town emergency contact.
- Remain calm. Pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge of other people. Listen carefully to what people are telling you. Deal with urgent situations first.
- If you had to leave your home, return only when local authorities say it is safe to do so. Bring a photo ID, because local authorities may only permit people who live in the disaster zone back into the area.
- Except in extreme emergencies (or unless told to do so by emergency officials), avoid driving immediately after the disaster. Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles. If you must drive, do not drive on roads covered with water. They could be damaged or eroded. Additionally, vehicles can begin to float in as little as six inches of water. Vehicles such as trucks and SUVs have larger tires and are more buoyant. So even though they are heavier than a standard sedan, this actually makes trucks and SUVs more likely to float in water than smaller vehicles.
- If the disaster was widespread, listen to your radio or local television station for instructions from authorities. Information may change rapidly after a widespread disaster, so tune in regularly for updates. If the power is still out, listen to a battery-powered radio, television or car radio.
- If the area was flooded, warn children to stay away from storm drains, culverts and ditches. Children can get caught and injured in these areas.
