Survival guides: what to do in an emergency
Plain steps for 12 emergencies, from a house fire to a volcano. Each page starts with what to do right now, then the warning signs, a true story and how to get ready. Every step comes from official sources such as Ready.gov (FEMA), the National Weather Service, the CDC and the USGS, and every page lists its sources.
In an emergency, call 911 first.
- House fireYou may have less than 2 minutes. Get out, stay out.
- FloodTurn around, don't drown.
- EarthquakeDrop, cover and hold on. Don't run outside or stand in a doorway.
- TsunamiIf the shaking is strong or long, or the sea acts strange, go to high ground now. Don't wait for a warning.
- HurricaneRun from the water. Hide from the wind.
- TornadoDon't go out to look.
- WildfireLeave early. Don't wait to see flames.
- Winter stormStay in your shelter, or stay with your car. Don't walk out into it.
- Extreme heatHeat stroke is an emergency. Cool first, fast.
- Power outageNever heat with a grill, an oven or a generator indoors.
- Carbon monoxide poisoningIt has no smell. People asleep can die before they notice.
- Volcanic eruptionA danger zone is a minimum, not a safe line. Evacuate early, and go farther.
City atlases
The 10 largest U.S. cities by population (Census estimate, July 1, 2025). Each page ranks all 18 FEMA hazards for that city’s county and shows what to do for the biggest ones.
- New York City, NYInland flooding · Heat wave · EarthquakeKings County: Relatively High overall
- Los Angeles, CAEarthquake · Inland flooding · WildfireLos Angeles County: Very High overall
- Chicago, ILInland flooding · Cold wave · TornadoCook County: Very High overall
- Houston, TXInland flooding · Hurricane · TornadoHarris County: Very High overall
- Phoenix, AZInland flooding · Heat wave · WildfireMaricopa County: Very High overall
- Philadelphia, PAInland flooding · Heat wave · Cold wavePhiladelphia County: Very High overall
- San Antonio, TXInland flooding · Tornado · HailBexar County: Relatively High overall
- San Diego, CAInland flooding · Wildfire · EarthquakeSan Diego County: Very High overall
- Dallas, TXInland flooding · Heat wave · HailDallas County: Very High overall
- Fort Worth, TXInland flooding · Tornado · HailTarrant County: Relatively High overall
Find your top hazards
The FEMA National Risk Index rates every U.S. county for 18 natural hazards. Look up yours, then use the rule and guide for each one.
| FEMA hazard | The rule | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | Check your local avalanche center before backcountry travel. | — |
| Coastal flooding | Run from the water. Hide from the wind. | Hurricane |
| Cold wave | One warm room. Never heat with an oven or a grill. | Winter storm |
| Drought | Store water now: 1 gallon per person per day. | — |
| Earthquake | Drop. Cover. Hold on. | Earthquake |
| Hail | Get indoors, away from windows. | Tornado |
| Heat wave | Get somewhere cool. Check on anyone who lives alone. | Extreme heat |
| Hurricane | Know your evacuation zone. Told to go? Go early. | Hurricane |
| Ice storm | Stay off the roads. One warm room. | Winter storm |
| Inland flooding | Turn around, don't drown. | Flood |
| Landslide | Follow local alerts. Leave when officials say so. | — |
| Lightning | When thunder roars, go indoors. | — |
| Strong wind | Shelter in an interior room, away from windows. | Power outage |
| Tornado | Lowest floor, interior room, cover your head. | Tornado |
| Tsunami | Strong or long shaking near the sea: go high now. | Tsunami |
| Volcanic activity | Evacuate early. In ashfall, stay in and wear an N95. | Volcanic eruption |
| Wildfire | Leave early. Know two ways out. | Wildfire |
| Winter weather | Stay in your shelter, or stay with your car. | Winter storm |
General safety information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 and follow local officials.
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