Field Guide / 03 · Disasters

Know what to do, before you need to

Each guide covers warning signs, before / during / after checklists, and what to have on hand.

Natural disasters / A

Lights out for hours or days. The most common emergency families face.

Ice, snow and deep cold, often with power loss (think Texas 2021).

Minutes of warning. A practiced plan matters most.

Water rises fast. Turn around, don't drown.

The deadliest weather event in the U.S. Stay cool, stay hydrated.

Days of warning, then wind, surge and long outages.

Fast-moving fire and days of unhealthy air.

No warning. Drop, cover and hold on.

Man-made emergencies / B

Power, internet and payment systems down for a week or more.

Tap water isn't safe to drink until officials say so.

Get inside, seal up and listen for instructions.

Staying home for weeks, calmly.

Stay home, stay informed, avoid crowds.

Empty shelves are easier with a small pantry buffer.

You may have 2 minutes to get out. Practice twice a year.