RISK CHECK
Every region has it's special challenges. Start here, then fine tune for your specific neighborhood.
Risk by us region
FEMA's National Risk Index is an incredible tool designed to help us understand which communities in the United States are most vulnerable to natural disasters.
Developed by FEMA with input from experts across different sectors, this index is an interactive map that highlights where potential dangers lurk. But how does it work? It's based on a simple equation.
Think of it like this: Risk = Hazards + Vulnerability - Resilience.
The "Hazards" part looks at the likelihood of disasters happening in an area, like hurricanes or earthquakes. Then there's "Vulnerability," which considers how susceptible a community is to these disasters. Factors like poverty levels or access to healthcare play a big role here. And finally, "Resilience" is about how well a community can bounce back from a disaster.
By crunching all this data together, the National Risk Index gives each community a score. This score helps us understand which areas need the most attention when it comes to preparing for and responding to disasters. Plus, it's presented in a user-friendly way, so you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand it. Check out the National Risk Index to see where your community shines and where you might need extra support. It's all about keeping everyone safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
Find it here: The National Risk Index
West
Earthquakes, Wildfires, Drought, Volcanic Eruptions, Flooding
Earthquakes
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Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to walls to prevent them from falling.
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Keep an emergency kit with food, water, first aid, and flashlights, and store it in an accessible location.
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Identify safe places in each room, such as under sturdy tables or against walls, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills.
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Develop an out-of-state contact list and emergency communication plan.
Wildfires
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Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dry vegetation and debris.
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Keep an evacuation kit ready with essentials, including N95 masks to protect against smoke inhalation.
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Install fire-resistant landscaping and materials for homes in wildfire-prone areas.
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Sign up for local emergency alerts and map out multiple evacuation routes.
Droughts
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Implement water-saving techniques, such as installing efficient fixtures and limiting outdoor water use.
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Store an emergency water supply (recommended three days’ worth, or one gallon per person per day).
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Learn about local water restrictions and adhere to water conservation practices.
Volcanic Eruptions
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Create an evacuation plan if you live near a volcano.
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Prepare to “Shelter in Place” by keeping windows and doors closed to avoid ash inhalation.
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Have face masks and eye protection to guard against volcanic ash.
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Familiarize yourself with regional eruption alerts and evacuation zones.
Flooding and Landslides
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Elevate utilities and critical items above flood-prone levels if you live in a flood zone.
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Keep an evacuation kit that includes essential documents, clothing, and medicines.
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Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, as even shallow water can be hazardous.
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Install flood barriers or sandbags around your property if flooding is anticipated.
southwest
Extreme Heat, Wildfires, Flash Flooding, Droughts
Extreme Heat
Staying Cool Indoors
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Use air conditioning or cooling devices; have a battery-powered fan for backup.
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Install window coverings to reduce indoor heat and designate a shaded room for cooling off.
Hydration & Health
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Stay hydrated, stock electrolyte drinks, and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat (10 AM - 4 PM).
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Identify air-conditioned spaces like libraries or cooling centers for extreme heat days.
Pet Safety
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Provide fresh water and shade for pets; avoid hot pavement to prevent paw burns.
Power Outage Preparation
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Have ice packs, extra water, and a fan in case of power disruptions.
Wildfires
Defensible Space & Home Preparation
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Maintain a 100-foot buffer zone by clearing vegetation and cutting low grasses.
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Install mesh screens on vents/chimneys to block embers and keep fire extinguishers accessible.
Evacuation Plan
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Pack an emergency “go-bag” with masks, gloves, flashlight, and water.
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Plan multiple evacuation routes and set up a communication plan with family or neighbors.
Staying Informed
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Sign up for local fire alerts and monitor “red flag” warnings.
Flash Flooding
Property Protection
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Use sandbags and waterproof barriers for doors and windows, clear gutters of debris, and elevate appliances if possible.
Evacuation Preparation
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Prepare a waterproofed “go-bag” with essential documents, water, and clothing.
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Avoid flooded areas; never attempt to cross by foot or vehicle.
Droughts
Water Conservation
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Collect rainwater where legal, install low-flow fixtures, and stock up on bottled water.
Landscaping
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Use drought-resistant plants and water during cooler hours to reduce evaporation.
Awareness & Adaptation
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Monitor local drought advisories and follow any water restrictions.
Midwest
Tornadoes, Flooding, Blizzards, Heatwaves
Tornadoes
Home Safety
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Designate a safe room (basement or windowless interior room on the lowest floor).
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Secure heavy furniture to reduce the risk of it becoming a projectile.
Emergency Kit
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Stock your safe room with a whistle, flashlight, water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a first aid kit.
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Include helmets or padding for head and neck protection.
Evacuation & Alert System
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Practice tornado drills with family members and know the fastest route to your safe room.
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Sign up for weather alerts and keep a weather radio for continuous updates.
Flooding
Home Protection
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Install flood barriers or sandbags around doors and low windows.
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Elevate valuable items and keep them in waterproof containers if possible.
Evacuation Kit & Route Planning
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Prepare a flood emergency kit with waterproofed documents, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
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Identify the safest routes to higher ground and avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas.
Stay Informed
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Monitor flood warnings and never drive through flooded areas; even shallow water can be hazardous.
Blizzards
Home Preparation
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Insulate pipes, weatherproof windows, and have a snow removal plan.
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Stock up on salt, sand, or kitty litter for treating icy walkways and driveways.
Emergency Heating & Supplies
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Keep extra blankets, a backup heat source (e.g., a generator or propane heater if safe), and a three-day supply of food and water.
Vehicle Safety
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If travel is essential, winterize your vehicle with antifreeze, a full gas tank, and winter tires.
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Store emergency supplies in your car, such as blankets, food, and a flashlight.
Heatwaves
Indoor Cooling
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Run air conditioning during peak heat hours, avoid heat-generating appliances, and use fans.
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Open windows at night to improve ventilation and reduce indoor temperatures.
Hydration & Health
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Drink water regularly and stock electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
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Check on vulnerable individuals (e.g., elderly neighbors) to ensure they have adequate cooling.
Limit Outdoor Activity
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Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, and use sunscreen and hats if you must be outside.
Southeast
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Flooding, Heatwaves, Wildfires
Hurricanes
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Develop an evacuation plan, and know multiple routes to evacuate if necessary.
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Prepare a “go-bag” with food, water, first aid supplies, important documents, and personal essentials.
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Reinforce windows, doors, and roofs to withstand strong winds, and bring outdoor furniture indoors.
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Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and a generator, if possible, for power outages.
Tornadoes
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Have a designated storm shelter area, ideally a basement or small interior room.
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Keep a weather alert radio and monitor weather reports for any changing conditions.
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Prepare a small emergency kit with essentials, including helmets or protection for heads and necks.
Flooding
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Elevate utilities, particularly in low-lying areas, and create barriers to direct water flow.
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Keep a kit with food, water, first aid, and critical supplies ready for evacuation.
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Plan routes that avoid flood-prone areas, and heed evacuation warnings from local authorities.
Heatwaves
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Ensure access to cool areas and air conditioning for vulnerable people.
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Drink water consistently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration.
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Use fans and wet cloths for cooling if air conditioning is unavailable, and limit sun exposure.
Wildfires
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Remove flammable vegetation near your home and have an evacuation plan.
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Use fire-resistant building materials where possible, and keep fire extinguishers handy.
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Prepare a go-bag with essentials and a face mask to protect against smoke.
Northeast
Winter Storms, Flooding, Hurricanes, Heatwaves
Winter Storms
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Keep an emergency kit with blankets, non-perishable food, water, and a backup heat source.
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Insulate windows and pipes, and have salt or sand ready for walkways and driveways.
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Monitor weather forecasts and stock up on essentials before storms hit.
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Stay off the roads during severe weather unless necessary.
Flooding
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Know your flood zone and have a plan for evacuating to higher ground.
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Keep an emergency kit with water, food, medication, and documents.
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Prepare waterproof containers for important documents and keep them accessible.
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Avoid flooded areas and heed all evacuation orders from authorities.
Hurricanes
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Reinforce structures, especially windows and doors, and secure outdoor items.
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Have a hurricane kit ready with food, water, medicine, and critical documents.
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Prepare for power outages by having extra batteries, flashlights, and a generator.
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Know evacuation routes and keep gas in your car if evacuation orders are issued.
Heatwaves
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Limit strenuous activities and keep hydrated.
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Create a cooling zone with fans and stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours.
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Check on vulnerable populations in your community to ensure they are safe and cool.
Alaska
Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions, Blizzards, Wildfires
Earthquakes
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Have an earthquake kit with food, water, first aid, and blankets. Secure heavy objects, and practice drills for “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Volcanic Eruptions
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Keep emergency masks and eye protection. Avoid going outdoors when there’s volcanic ash.
Blizzards
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Stockpile heating fuel, food, and water, and have backup power. Stay indoors, and monitor weather reports.
Wildfires
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Create defensible space around the property and have an evacuation plan.
Hawaii
Volcanic Eruptions, Tsunamis, Hurricanes, Flash Flooding
Volcanic Eruptions
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Have masks, eye protection, and an evacuation plan if you live near active volcanoes.
Tsunamis
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Know your tsunami evacuation route and stay informed of alerts. Keep a kit ready with food, water, and first aid.
Hurricanes
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Reinforce homes to withstand winds, store emergency water and food, and prepare to evacuate if needed.
Flash Flooding
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Stay informed of weather changes, and avoid rivers or low-lying areas during heavy rains.