--- title: "Natural Disasters Preparedness Guides | BePrepared" url: "https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/topics/severe-weather" description: "Natural disasters including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and winter storms. Select sub-scenarios for targeted preparation advice." source: "BePrepared Solutions" --- # Natural Disasters 31 articles A natural disaster is a damaging event driven by nature, such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, earthquake or winter storm. Learn which of these hazards are most likely where you live, and set up at least two ways to receive official warnings. Natural disasters including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and winter storms. Select sub-scenarios for targeted preparation advice. Updated October 6, 2026 [ ![Organized pantry shelves with emergency food storage including canned goods, sealed containers, and labeled glass jars](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/3340c8cd-7c6b-49ad-bb52-ba2b1ff7e802/hero-bb36047b-10f8-424d-b218-701ec7adaa7b.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Best Foods for Long-Term Emergency Storage Natural Disasters Most emergency food spoils faster than the expiration date suggests. Find out which shelf-stable staples actually last decades and keep your family fed. food shortagesnatural disasters Beginner 9 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/best-foods-for-long-term-emergency-storage)[ ![SUV with open trunk showing organized winter emergency supplies against snowy backdrop](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/4fee9521-9e8c-49e7-aa03-761f4db805a1/hero-e91e669b-ebe7-434b-b0c8-10b9b8832c80.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Essential Winter Car Emergency Kit Checklist Natural Disasters: Winter Storm AAA handles 7 million winter rescue calls yearly—most from unprepared drivers. Build a kit that keeps you safe when snow turns dangerous. winter stormno fueltransport Beginner 8 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/essential-winter-car-emergency-kit-checklist)[ ![Family preparing winter emergency kit while snow falls outside their living room window](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/43653de4-6153-466c-9200-1f4c15a70ad2/hero-b7dcaac2-879b-4e5f-ac58-e048f04fec94.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Quick Winter Storm Evacuation Checklist Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Most winter storm deaths happen during evacuation, not sheltering in place. This checklist helps you evacuate safely when seconds count. winter stormno fueltransport Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/quick-winter-storm-evacuation-checklist)[ ![SUV safely pulled over on snowy highway shoulder, driver inside checking emergency supplies with hazard lights on](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/d46bf491-f08e-409b-8a79-444ee0eb3a64/hero-3bb19bcf-4ebd-4ac0-826e-1aa8c0509d2a.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### How to Safely Stay Warm in a Stranded Vehicle Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Running your engine continuously in a snowstorm can kill you faster than the cold. Essential strategies for surviving when your car becomes your shelter. winter stormno fueltransport Beginner 9 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/how-to-safely-stay-warm-in-a-stranded-vehicle)[ ![Mechanic using digital multimeter to test car battery in winter garage setting](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/28e3bd63-901c-439a-9780-8a010549766b/hero-43f4e570-2af7-4841-af52-cad5a4011860.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Winter Vehicle Battery Care and Maintenance Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Your battery loses 50% cranking power at 0°F while your engine demands twice the energy. Strategic testing and maintenance prevent dead-battery mornings. winter stormno fueltransport Intermediate 13 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/winter-vehicle-battery-care-and-maintenance)[ ![Family reviewing winter emergency plan at kitchen table with snow visible through window](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/6fa16e83-d2a6-47c6-9e8a-949760c2eadd/hero-00cef369-e8f0-4d56-9661-6b344b2cd621.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### How to Create a Backup Power Plan for Winter Storms Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Most backup power plans fail within the first 12 hours. Build a winter outage strategy that works through multi-day blackouts when temperatures plummet. winter stormshelter in placepower grid failure Intermediate 15 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/how-to-create-a-backup-power-plan-for-winter-storms)[ ![SUV safely navigating snowy highway with emergency kit visible, showing proper winter driving preparation](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/48409db8-2778-45ca-8968-557da45f0863/hero-2e4e8e96-e56a-49c0-9d73-e273af0f0110.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Complete Winter Vehicle Emergency Guide Natural Disasters: Winter Storm 70% of winter weather deaths happen in vehicles, not outdoors. Build the preparation system that keeps your family alive when stranded. winter stormno fueltransport Intermediate 15 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/complete-winter-vehicle-emergency-guide)[ ![Family reviewing winter emergency supplies in organized basement while snow falls outside](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/1812257d-4022-43ac-a0db-64bd9597f719/hero-0f523da5-61b9-4e7a-a534-a8d4be5eadc6.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Top 10 Winter Storm Preparation Mistakes Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Most hypothermia deaths happen indoors, not outside. Avoid the ten critical heating, water, and safety mistakes that turn winter storms deadly. winter stormno heatshelter in place Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/top-10-winter-storm-preparation-mistakes)[ ![Family of four organizing emergency water storage containers in their kitchen](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/322ab28e-169e-47b7-a554-ed29d4def609/hero-c13c3584-03d6-48db-a1db-aca7286794f7.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Emergency Water Storage Guide Natural Disasters Most households have less than 24 hours of drinkable water stored. This guide shows exactly how much you need and the smartest ways to store it. no clean waternatural disasters Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/emergency-water-storage-guide)[ ![Family checking refrigerator thermometer by lantern light during power outage](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/20027818-0422-4565-89bb-4ec099a8dfb9/hero-3620a8f2-4876-431f-8398-28bca6092eb1.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Food Storage During Power Outages Natural Disasters Your refrigerator becomes a ticking clock the moment power fails. Learn the critical 4-hour window and science-backed strategies to protect your family's food supply. power grid failurenatural disasters Beginner 7 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/food-storage-during-power-outages)[ ![Split view of wildfire smoke approaching neighborhood and family watching safely from inside their home](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/bae0e53c-8d82-4674-996d-90d48376f637/hero-fd9f34c7-32e6-4b1e-8cac-4c444f307e6c.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Ultimate Guide to Wildfire Air Quality Protection Natural Disasters: Wildfire Wildfire smoke harms you indoors, miles from flames. Protect your family with air quality monitoring, filtration strategies, and emergency breathing protection. wildfireshelter in placenatural disasters Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/ultimate-guide-to-wildfire-air-quality-protection)[ ![Family reviewing emergency contact list by lantern light while snow falls outside](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/5207d959-c228-4596-90a9-62fb9cafd770/hero-04cee7d2-527c-4f09-b7c5-bdeb8d44f082.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Winter Storm Communications Backup Plan Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Cell networks fail within hours of severe winter storms, leaving families separated and anxious. Simple backup plans reconnect you when smartphones go dark. winter stormcommsinternet down Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/winter-storm-communications-backup-plan)[ ![Family playing cards by lantern light during power outage, emergency supplies nearby](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/718929e5-900b-4b08-b3d8-05fe095499de/hero-e2a18e69-59c0-4a78-9180-a18ec070e173.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Complete Power Outage Survival Guide Natural Disasters Most power outages last under 4 hours, yet most people prepare for the wrong scenario. This guide shows what actually keeps families safe and comfortable. no heatpower grid failurenatural disasters Beginner 9 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/complete-power-outage-survival-guide)[ ![Family reviewing emergency heating equipment and supplies in organized garage setting](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/d03d9bdf-7c6b-40d7-a99e-60b4757390d5/hero-94927a5f-e4df-40ac-98aa-5e6f1bd9c0fe.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Emergency Heat Calculator: How Much Backup Heat You Need Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Most backup heating systems are oversized by 40%. Calculate your actual BTU requirements using zone heating principles that cut costs without sacrificing safety. winter stormno heatnatural disasters Intermediate 15 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/emergency-heat-calculator-how-much-backup-heat-you-need)[ ![Family reviewing air purifier manual in living room with orange hazy sky visible through window](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/e529bcc6-ef87-46ac-85e6-1b41560a8b2c/hero-d5367e93-d8dd-4086-8d61-d4d99cf89591.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Air Purifier Sizing Calculator for Wildfire Smoke Natural Disasters: Wildfire Most air purifiers fail during wildfire smoke because they're undersized. Calculate the exact capacity your space needs to maintain safe indoor air quality. wildfireshelter in placenatural disasters Intermediate 15 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/air-purifier-sizing-calculator-for-wildfire-smoke)[ ![Aerial view of home with three distinct defensible space zones showing proper wildfire preparedness](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/ced35d34-ab3d-4d44-8e7c-27907db816fc/hero-0ea66f6e-cd62-45d7-bd64-16a1163b8020.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Complete Home Wildfire Defense Guide Natural Disasters: Wildfire Most homes ignite from embers, not flames—yet homeowners protect against the wrong threat. Learn the defense strategies that actually stop wildfires. wildfireshelter in placeevacuate quickly Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/complete-home-wildfire-defense-guide)[ ![Split view comparing secured vs unsecured bookcase during earthquake - one toppled, one safely anchored](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/80c51bba-3c9b-44b3-92c6-67380de17a50/hero-6827ec3f-c0f9-44af-8fd3-8daa8ad456bf.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### How to Secure Heavy Furniture for Earthquakes Natural Disasters: Earthquake Standing furniture killed more people than collapsed walls in the Northridge earthquake. Practical anchoring methods that prevent toppling during seismic events. earthquakeshelter in placenatural disasters Intermediate 16 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/how-to-secure-heavy-furniture-for-earthquakes)[ ![Aerial view of home with three marked defensible space zones showing proper vegetation management](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/e937321e-7f9c-4dd4-a692-ee2c21cf7c52/hero-5f5a5be6-94e2-417a-b47d-152a030186dc.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Creating a Wildfire Defensible Space: Step-by-Step Guide Natural Disasters: Wildfire Most homes lost to wildfires had defensible space—but it was done wrong. This step-by-step guide shows the critical differences that actually protect your property. wildfireshelter in placenatural disasters Beginner 11 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/creating-a-wildfire-defensible-space-step-by-step-guide)[ ![Home inspector in safety gear examining earthquake damage to house foundation](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/4e715d7e-e91d-439f-bcbb-81c76e4d7333/hero-71efcf68-5690-451c-b2ca-3a92f08d1edd.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Post-Earthquake Home Inspection Guide Natural Disasters: Earthquake Most homeowners enter too soon after earthquakes, risking injury from aftershocks. This guide prioritizes your safety while systematically assessing structural damage. earthquakeshelter in placenatural disasters Intermediate 20 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/post-earthquake-home-inspection-guide)[ ![Family organizing water storage containers in kitchen with snowy window view](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/087edf0a-c0c3-4469-ad8c-703b87b43116/hero-ec8c53e8-2e05-4162-8808-a68ca5fb6de0.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### How to Store Emergency Water for Winter Storms Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Your municipal water can fail even when pipes don't freeze. A friendly guide to storing emergency water before winter storms hit. winter stormno clean waternatural disasters Beginner 9 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/how-to-store-emergency-water-for-winter-storms)[ ![Split view comparing outdoor generator safety and indoor power station use during winter storm](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/96acb28e-b35f-401e-b857-212a3106f4cb/hero-c8d1fadd-8643-4599-a3e0-a2af4a0cecd8.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Generator vs. Power Station: Which is Best for Winter Outages? Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Most winter backup plans fail in the first six hours. Compare generators against power stations using real capacity math, runtime data, and cold-weather performance metrics. winter stormno heatpower grid failure Intermediate 15 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/generator-vs-power-station-which-is-best-for-winter-outages)[ ![Fire-resistant landscape with succulents and gravel paths around modern home, mountains in background](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/bdaa8877-107e-48cd-ba2e-706f191ebbd8/hero-0231559c-a29c-43db-b694-dfcab3bb9568.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Fire-Resistant Plants: What to Grow in Wildfire Zones Natural Disasters: Wildfire Some homes survived the Caldor Fire while neighbors burned. The difference: strategically placed fire-resistant plants creating defensible space that actually works. wildfireshelter in placenatural disasters Intermediate 16 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/fire-resistant-plants-what-to-grow-in-wildfire-zones)[ ![Family calmly loading emergency go-bags into SUV during evacuation, distant wildfire smoke visible](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/a806349d-1624-492e-80d6-cbb771c05f64/hero-5e61e939-6899-4b19-8833-63f51c59b95a.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### 15-Minute Wildfire Evacuation Checklist Natural Disasters: Wildfire Most people waste 12 of their 15 evacuation minutes deciding what to grab. This step-by-step checklist eliminates the guesswork and panic. wildfireevacuate quicklynatural disasters Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/15-minute-wildfire-evacuation-checklist)[ ![Family of four organizing emergency supplies in garage with labeled containers and supplies on folding table](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/1a1d8695-235e-4f20-89b7-244d707759b0/hero-bf7735fd-10e5-4196-939f-6702dfad435f.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Earthquake Supply Kit Essentials Natural Disasters: Earthquake Earthquakes strike all 50 states, not just California. Emergency responders may take days to reach you—here's what you actually need to survive independently. earthquakeno clean waterevacuate quickly Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/earthquake-supply-kit-essentials)[ ![Split view comparing safe and unsafe earthquake locations in home, with safety indicators](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/60766ad5-22d0-4c88-a8c9-d979f3eb3b71/hero-73498551-caef-4470-9001-0b4dbd95b742.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### 10 Earthquake-Safe Spots in Your Home Natural Disasters: Earthquake Doorways aren't safe during earthquakes—that's outdated advice. Find the 10 spots in your home that actually protect you when shaking starts. earthquakeshelter in placenatural disasters Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/10-earthquake-safe-spots-in-your-home)[ ![Family working together to secure bookshelf to wall while identifying earthquake hazards in living room](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/37e4b05b-ac0a-4df6-9250-3d2507d4c202/hero-cda41bda-b75c-4b4e-b8ca-ed6cdb10ce0c.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Complete Earthquake Home Safety Guide Natural Disasters: Earthquake Most earthquake injuries happen at home from falling objects, not collapsed buildings. This room-by-room guide shows you exactly what to secure first. earthquakeshelter in placeevacuate quickly Beginner 8 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/complete-earthquake-home-safety-guide)[ ![Split view of suburban street: normal day vs. flooded with water depth markers at 6 and 12 inches](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/4ae84abb-b8ce-450f-b82e-d100e71ac918/hero-dfe77dd4-079e-4d77-94b9-79b378c2054e.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Complete Flood Preparedness and Recovery Guide Natural Disasters: Flood Six inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot can sweep away your SUV. Learn what actually protects your family during floods. floodno clean waterevacuate quickly Beginner 10 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/complete-flood-preparedness-and-recovery-guide)[ ![Family reviewing winter storm checklist while organizing emergency supplies in cozy living room with snow visible outside](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/99a06cfe-cf86-4368-9f2b-f89278ecaa24/hero-316d716c-b112-4954-ac62-77df75cf6bca.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Complete Winter Storm Home Preparedness Guide Natural Disasters: Winter Storm 70% of winter storm deaths happen in vehicles, not homes. Learn the preparation steps that keep your family safe when weather turns dangerous. winter stormno heatshelter in place Beginner 8 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/complete-winter-storm-home-preparedness-guide)[ ![Family checking dates on emergency water containers in organized garage storage area](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/a4421bde-fdf8-4dd3-b8cd-de3986ddbe6a/hero-74d4eb33-16b3-4e3f-90d5-bdb19780ff19.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### How Much Drinking Water to Store for Emergencies Calculator Natural Disasters: Hurricane Most families store barely 12 hours of emergency water. This calculator shows exactly how much your household actually needs—and where to keep it. hurricaneno clean waternatural disasters Beginner 11 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/how-much-drinking-water-to-store-for-emergencies-calculator)[ ![Split view comparing protected and unprotected pipes in winter conditions](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/f8498112-2648-4438-9db5-1611ea158e6e/hero-d5b9e335-5767-4976-9b03-aa5f4d84c864.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing: A Beginner's Guide Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Frozen pipes cause $5 billion in damage annually, yet most homeowners miss the simple prevention steps. Protect your home before temperatures drop. winter stormno heatnatural disasters Beginner 8 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/how-to-prevent-pipes-from-freezing-a-beginner-s-guide)[ ![Family organizing winter emergency supplies with battery-powered lantern while snow falls outside](https://db.bepreparedsolutions.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/content_images/8b5f6a49-0ef4-4faa-b3ea-036e1496943f/hero-d1de360a-3e6f-41f4-84b2-c0cb89267a70.webp?width=2500&quality=75&resize=contain) ### Winter Power Outage Survival: Essential Items Checklist Natural Disasters: Winter Storm Most people's winter emergency plans fail within the first two hours of a power outage. This checklist covers the survival essentials you actually need. winter stormno heatpower grid failure Beginner 8 min ](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/articles/winter-power-outage-survival-essential-items-checklist) Ready to stock up? [See our Natural Disasters kits](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/solutions/BeEquipped/kits/scenario/severe-weather). ## What is the difference between a weather watch and a warning? A watch means conditions are favorable for a hazard, so get ready; a warning means the hazard is happening or imminent, so act. In the definitions published by the National Weather Service's New York office, watches go out up to 72 hours ahead with forecaster confidence around 50 percent. Warnings come up to 48 hours ahead, with confidence of at least 80 percent. Severe thunderstorm, tornado and flash flood alerts move much faster, with watches issued hours ahead and warnings sometimes only minutes ahead. During a tornado watch, review your plan and check your supplies and safe room. During a tornado warning, go to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. ## How should our household receive severe weather alerts? Use more than one channel, so a single failure does not leave you uninformed. Wireless Emergency Alerts reach enabled phones in the targeted area for free, without signing up, and are not affected by network congestion. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts warnings, watches and forecasts from your nearest National Weather Service office around the clock. The FEMA App sends National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations, which helps when relatives live elsewhere. Sign up for your county's alerts too, since local emergency managers share shelter locations and other safety updates. BeAware can also monitor alerts for your home address. ## What should a basic disaster supply kit include? Cover water, food, light, communication, first aid and the tools to shelter in place. Ready.gov's basic list starts with a gallon of water for each person for each day, enough for several days, and a several-day supply of non-perishable food. It adds a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and a whistle. Round it out with a dust mask, plastic sheeting, tape, a wrench for shutting off utilities, a manual can opener, local maps and phone chargers. Then add what your own household needs: prescriptions, glasses, infant and pet supplies, and copies of key documents. Pack it in one or two easy-to-carry containers and review it every year. ## Sources - [Watch Warning Advisory Definitions](https://www.weather.gov/okx/wwa_definitions), National Weather Service (New York, NY office). Watch: conditions favorable, issued up to 72 hours ahead at about 50 percent confidence; warning: imminent or occurring, up to 48 hours ahead at 80 percent or more; thunderstorm, tornado and flash flood products have lead times of hours or minutes. - [What is the difference between a Tornado Watch, a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Emergency?](https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-ww), National Weather Service. Tornado watch: review plans, check supplies and safe room; tornado warning: interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoid windows. - [Emergency Alerts](https://www.ready.gov/alerts), Ready.gov (FEMA). WEAs are free, need no subscription, reach phones in a targeted area, and are not affected by network congestion; NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts 24/7 from the nearest NWS office; FEMA App alerts for up to five locations. - [Evacuation](https://www.ready.gov/evacuation), Ready.gov (FEMA). Know your local risks; sign up for alerts from local emergency management, which share shelter locations and safety information. - [Build A Kit](https://www.ready.gov/kit), Ready.gov (FEMA). Basic disaster supplies kit list; additional items such as prescriptions, glasses, infant and pet supplies, documents; one or two easy-to-carry containers; update every year. [Back to all topics](https://staging.bepreparedsolutions.co/learn/topics) --- _Guidance here is general and cannot account for your circumstances. In an active emergency, official instructions from local authorities take precedence over anything published by BePrepared Solutions._