Focus for This Month
Heat and Extreme Weather
Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
Spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, such as your home, a cooling center, library or community center
Check on older adults, young children, neighbors and anyone who may need extra assistance
Make sure pets have plenty of fresh water and access to shade or air conditioning
Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle
Stay Cool and Save Energy
Close blinds, shades and curtains during the day to help keep the sun's heat out
Set your air conditioner a few degrees higher, if comfortable, and use fans to circulate cool air
Avoid using ovens and other heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours of the day
Run dishwashers, washers and dryers in the evening when temperatures are cooler
Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and unplug electronics and chargers when they're not in use
Keep air conditioner filters clean to help your system run efficiently
Tornadoes
Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone.
Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
Identify and practice going to a safe shelter such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Plan for your pet. They are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.
Prepare for a long-term stay at home or sheltering in place by gathering emergency supplies, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, water, medical supplies and medication.
Hurricanes
Know Your Hurricane Risk
Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.
Make an Emergency Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans.
Identify whether you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.
Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
Know your Evacuation Zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and issue safety measures.
Recognize Warnings and Alerts
Be sure to have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up.
Review Important Documents
Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
Strengthen your Home
De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and consider hurricane shutters.
Get Tech Ready
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Gather Supplies
Have enough supplies for your household. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
Help your Neighborhood
Check with neighbors, senior adults or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
