Prepare before the storm. Know what to do after.
Safety-first steps for hurricanes, severe weather, and earthquakes, with a simple guide to documenting visible property conditions when it is safe.
Hurricane readiness
Make a household plan before a storm is near. Know your evacuation zone and routes, follow official watches and warnings, and leave when local officials direct you to evacuate.
Make the plan early
- Check your local evacuation zone, routes, and shelter options.
- Prepare water, food, medications, chargers, a radio, and supplies for household members and pets.
- Save important contacts and copies of key home, health, and insurance records in a secure place.
- When safe, photograph your property and store the images with your records.
Follow local instructions
- Monitor official National Weather Service and local emergency management updates.
- Charge devices and secure loose outdoor items only while it is safe.
- Evacuate when ordered; do not wait for roads to become unsafe.
- Never enter floodwater or drive around a road closure.
Wait for the all-clear
- Return only when officials say it is safe; avoid floodwater, downed lines, and damaged structures.
- Use a flashlight indoors and leave if you smell gas or see structural danger.
- From a safe location, photograph visible damage and note dates and affected areas.
- Contact your insurer and qualified professionals; keep communications and receipts.
Severe weather readiness
Know where to shelter before warnings arrive. A watch means conditions may become dangerous; a warning means take protective action now. Follow official alerts and local instructions for your area.
Choose your shelter
- Identify a sturdy building and a small interior room on the lowest level for tornado warnings.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and choose another way to receive local warnings.
- Keep shoes, a flashlight, medications, and a charged phone where you can reach them.
- Move indoors early when thunderstorms are forecast.
Get inside and stay informed
- If you hear thunder, go into a substantial enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle.
- For a tornado warning, use your planned shelter, stay away from windows, and protect your head.
- Do not shelter under an overpass or try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater.
Watch for hazards
- Follow emergency officials after the immediate threat has passed.
- Stay clear of downed power lines, broken glass, unstable trees, and damaged buildings.
- Do not climb onto a roof or enter a damaged structure to inspect it.
- Record visible conditions from a safe place and contact qualified help as needed.
Earthquake readiness
Earthquakes can happen without warning. Secure heavy items and practice the protective action you will take wherever you spend time.
Secure and practice
- Fasten heavy furniture and identify a safe place away from windows.
- Keep shoes, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and essential medications accessible.
- Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” with everyone in your household.
Drop, cover, and hold on
- Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and hold on to sturdy shelter.
- If indoors, stay inside and away from windows. If outside, move away from buildings and wires.
- If driving, pull over away from overpasses, trees, and power lines; remain in the vehicle until shaking stops.
Expect aftershocks
- Check for injuries and immediate hazards; leave damaged buildings carefully.
- Do not touch fallen power lines or enter visibly unstable structures.
- Follow official updates; use text messages if phone networks are congested.
- Document property conditions only from a safe location.
Document conditions safely
Safety comes first. Do not enter a restricted or unsafe area, climb onto a roof, or delay emergency action to gather photos or records.
Share this guide
Help your team, clients, neighbors, or family prepare. For current watches and warnings, check the National Weather Service and your local emergency management office.
View current NWS alerts ↗ Check Weather.gov ↗
Guidance and local conditions can change. Always follow the current official source.
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