# Natural disasters

> Get indoors, away from windows, and switch on the official alert channel.

Storms, earthquakes and heatwaves are survivable when the first hour is planned. Preparation done on a quiet day is worth more than any decision made during the event.

## Step by step
1. Know how official warnings reach you. Wireless Emergency Alerts hit every phone in the area, and NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts around the clock.
2. Keep a 72 hour bag ready. Water, food, medication, torch, power bank, radio, documents, cash and warm clothes.
3. Agree a family meeting point and one contact outside the area whom everyone can call or message.
4. In an earthquake, drop, cover and hold on under a solid table until the shaking stops, then leave calmly and keep away from buildings.
5. In a windstorm, close shutters, keep away from windows, and avoid trees, scaffolding and coastal roads.
6. In a heatwave, stay indoors during the hottest hours, drink before you feel thirsty, and check on older neighbours.
7. Follow the official civil protection channel and keep calls short, so the network stays open for emergency traffic.

## Never do this
- Do not use lifts during an earthquake, a fire or a power warning.
- Do not go outside to film the event.
- Do not ignore an evacuation order because your house has never flooded or burned before.

## Call emergency services if
- Anyone trapped, injured or missing after the event.
- A collapsed structure, a gas leak, or a downed power line.
- A neighbour who is vulnerable, alone and not answering.

## Emergency numbers
911 - Emergency call

## Common questions
### How much water should I store?
About three litres per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene, for at least three days.

### Will the mobile network work?
Often yes, but congested. Text messages get through when calls do not, so agree in advance that a short message means everyone is safe.

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Use at your own risk. Educational and research use only, not medical advice. Verify numbers and rules for the country you are in. They change.
Source: https://emergency-cards.com/en-us/natural-disasters/
Reviewed: 2026-07-26