Some disasters strike without any warning, and family members may not all be in the same place. How will you get in touch with each other? Where will you meet? How will you get out of your house in case of a fire? What if your neighborhood is being evacuated? It's important to make a plan, now, so that you will know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.

Being prepared for an emergency isn't just about staying safe during a storm or a disaster. It's also about how to stay comfortable, clean, fed, and healthy afterwards—when a storm or disaster may have knocked out electricity.

If you lost power, how would you eat? The refrigerator wouldn’t keep your food cold. The microwave couldn’t warm things up. You might not get clean water out of your faucets. How would you find out if it was safe to play outside? Not from your TV or computer!

If power is out, you also might not be able to go to the store or the bank. Being prepared means having your own food, water, cash, and other supplies to last for at least three days, and possibly longer if you are in a remote or hard-to-reach area. 

What should go in your kit?

Remember that your kit will depend on your own needs. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors. Use the list below to get started:  

• Water—at least a gallon per person, per day
• Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit, peanut butter, or energy bars)
• First aid kit
• Cash
• Prescription medicines
• Extra batteries or an alternative power source
• Matches in a waterproof container (allow an adult to help)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
• Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Flashlights
• Whistle to signal for help
• Can opener (manual)
• Local maps
• Pet and service animal supplies
• Baby supplies (formula, diapers, etc.)
• Extra pair of eyeglasses

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. And, don’t forget to think about specific needs in your family. Your family’s needs change over time, so update your plan regularly.

Regardless of your child’s age, he or she may feel upset or have other strong emotions after an emergency. Some children react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later. How children react or common signs of distress can vary according to age. Knowing how to help children cope after an emergency can help them stay healthy in future emergencies.

An emergency can happen anywhere and at any time. It is important for parents to know what steps they can take before, during, and after an emergency to protect their family. Parents ensure that family members are ready and know what to do when emergencies happen.

Before an Emergency

A little preparation now can make a big difference later.

Here are some steps you can take to help keep your family safe and healthy when an emergency happens:

• Prepare an emergency kit that includes a 3-day supply of necessities for each person in your family, such as food, medicine, water, games, flashlight, and special toys to help keep your children calm during an emergency.
• Make a plan to contact family members, especially if you are not together when an emergency strikes. If your children are old enough, teach them how to call 911 and memorize important phone numbers. Create a reunification plan as part of the family communication plan to reunite you with your loved ones as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Review with your children the different types of emergencies that can happen in your area and the warning signs for those emergencies. For example, if tornadoes are common, your children should know what to do during a tornado. This includes knowing the signs of an approaching storm and instructions on how to take shelter during a tornado.
• Be informed, stay informed, and get vital information, such as emergency warnings and alerts, from reliable news sources and your local emergency management agency.

Getting your children to help with preparing for an emergency can teach them the basics of staying safe and will make emergencies less stressful because they will be prepared and empowered. Ask them what items they think should go in an emergency kit and plan.

Help protect your child during the school day.

In the United States, about 69 million children are separated from their parents or caregivers every work day to attend school or child care. You can help protect your children, even when you are not with them, through the following steps:

• Find out the school or childcare center’s emergency plans. Every school and childcare center should have a written emergency plan with information, such as how to contact parents in an emergency and where children will go if evacuated. Also, ask how you can contact the school or childcare center during an emergency and how parents and caregivers will reunite with their children.
• Update your emergency contact information. Make sure that the school has up-to-date emergency contact information for your child. Notify the school every time your address or phone number changes. Keeping a backpack emergency card with your child is one way to make sure that emergency contact information – as well as other important information like medications and allergies – is handy.

During an Emergency

Different emergencies may require different actions. Protect your family by knowing what to do.

Each emergency is different and may require different actions to keep you and your family safe. Local authorities will share safety instructions and updates on television, radio, the Internet, or social media pages, like Twitter and Facebook. Depending on the emergency, authorities may ask you to stay where you are (“shelter in place”), or they may recommend that you go somewhere else (“evacuate”).

If you have children in a school in the exposed area, school authorities may evacuate your children to a safer place or emergency shelter. In these cases, do not go to your children during the emergency. This can put you and your children at greater risk. Wait until emergency or school authorities say it is safe for you to pick up your children.

After an Emergency

Recovery can take time. Get the support you need to help you and your child in the aftermath of an emergency.

Reuniting After an Emergency

Children may be away from their parents – or accidentally separated– during an emergency. Having a reunification plan and knowing reunification resources can help you reunite with your loved ones as soon as it is safe to do so.

Helping Children Cope

Regardless of your child’s age, he or she may feel upset or have other strong emotions after an emergency. Some children react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later. How children react or common signs of distress can vary according to age. Knowing how to help children cope after an emergency can help them stay healthy in future emergencies.

An earthquake is the sudden, quick shaking of the earth. It is caused by rock breaking and moving under the ground. Additional earthquakes, known as aftershocks, can occur for hours, days, or even months after an earthquake. These are usually smaller than the first earthquake. However, they could cause more damage to structures weakened by the first earthquake.

Earthquakes can also cause tsunamis. Tsunamis are a series of waves caused by a large and sudden disturbance of the sea.

Words to Know

Aftershock - Another earthquake that happens after the first earthquake. These are usually smaller than the first earthquake.

Fault Lines - Cracks in the rocks below the earth’s surface.

Seismograph - A machine that mea­sures an earthquake.

Epicenter - The center of an earthquake. Vibrations are sent from the epicenter in many directions.

Seismic Activity - This is another word for earthquakes, along with tremors, quakes, and shakers.

Am I at Risk?

All 50 states and five U.S. territories are at some risk for earthquakes. Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and occur without warning. Scientists are working on a way to detect when an earthquake may happen.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit with items that you will need if you have to evacuate quickly. 
• Make a family communications plan.
• Know the safe spots in every room—under a sturdy table or against an inside wall.
• Secure household items.
• Ask your family to hold earthquake drills—drop, cover, and hold on!

During

If Inside

• DROP to the ground.
• Take COVER under a sturdy table or other heavy furniture. If there is nothing to get under, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch near an inside wall. Try your best not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
• STAY AWAY from windows, glass, lighting fixtures, or furniture that could fall, like bookcases.
• STAY INSIDE!
• Do not use elevators!
• If trapped under debris:
  • Cover your mouth with your shirt. Try to touch only your shirt. Try not to touch your mouth, nose, and eyes, especially with unwashed hands. If you are wearing a mask, you can use this instead of your shirt.
  • Do not scream – you could breathe in dust.
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can find you.

If Outside

• Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and wires.
• Stay out in the open until the shaking stops. Buildings could collapse and hurt you.

After

• Expect aftershocks. They are usually not as strong but can cause damage.
• Do not enter a damaged building.
• Open cabinets carefully. Objects might have moved and could fall on you.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and shoes to protect your skin from getting scratched by broken objects.
• Text, don’t talk. Unless there’s a life-threatening situation, send a text so that you don’t tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.
• Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Take care of your body and talk with your parents or other trusted adults if you are feeling upset.

Did you know?

The “Ring of Fire’ is the zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean where about 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur.

The Richter Scale measures the strength of an earthquake. It goes from 0.0 (none) to 10.0.

Flooding is when a lot of water overflows onto land that is normally dry. It is the most common natural-weather event. Flooding can happen during heavy rains, when rivers overflow, when ocean waves come on the shore, when snow melts too fast, or when dams or levees break. Flooding may be only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. Floods that happen very quickly are called flash floods. Floods can cause power outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

Words to Know

Flash Flood - A flood that can happen in a few minutes or hours of heavy rainfall, dam/levee failure, or drains overflowing.

Flood Watch - A message that flooding is possible.

Flood Warning - A message that flooding will happen soon (if it hasn’t already).

Levee/Dam - A structure to contain or prevent water from overflowing and flooding an area.

Am I at Risk?

Floods can happen in every U.S. state and territory. Some floods develop slowly, and some can happen in just a few minutes. People who live in low-lying areas (near water sources or at sea-level) are at even greater risk. Storms and hurricanes can cause flooding. Melting snow from mountains can also cause floods.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Make a plan. Having a plan of what you and your family will do in the event of an emergency will help. 
• Work with your parents to build an emergency kit with items that you will need if you have to evacuate quickly. 
• Make a family communications plan.
• Tell an adult if you hear about a flood warning on the TV or radio.
• Help your family move important items to an upper floor. 

During

• Pay attention to authorities and safety officials. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground or find shelter.
• Do not walk, swim, drive or ride in a car through flood waters. Even six inches of moving water knock you off your feet. 
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.

After

• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
• Stay away from flood water. Flood water may be contaminated, meaning containing dangerous substances.
• Stay away from moving water. It can knock you off your feet.
• Stay out of the way of emergency workers so they can do their job easily.
• Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed out. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Take care of your body and talk with your parents or other trusted adults if you are feeling upset.

Did you know?

Flooding can wash out walkways, roads, and fields, making them impossible to detect under flood water. Do not walk or ride in a car through water. It might be deeper than you think! A foot of water can sweep a vehicle off the road. Stay away from moving water!

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They collect heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters and then move toward land. Evaporation from the ocean water increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an “eye,” which is the center of the hurricane.

Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When hurricanes come onto land, their heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars. Storm surge is when rising water moves inland, or away from the coastline. It’s very dangerous. 

Words to Know

Evacuation - Leaving an area that officials say is unsafe.

Eye - The center of the storm. Winds and rains die down, but they will start up again very quickly.

Inland - Away from the coastline.

Storm Surge - Heavy waves caused by high wind and a lot of rain.

Tropical - An area of the country that is closer to the equator.

Am I at Risk?

Hurricanes are most common between June and November. Any U.S. coast by the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean can get hit and you can feel the effects more than 100 miles inland. People who live on the coast may experience extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge. People who live inland are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, and flooding.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit.
• Make a family communications plan. Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power or are separated.
• Help your parents bring in outdoor items like potted plants, patio furniture, decorations, and garbage cans. They can fly away in strong winds!

During

• Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer. In case you lose power, you want the cold air to stay in so food will last longer!
• Stay away from windows and glass doors. They could break and hurt you.
• If you did not evacuate, stay inside a closet, hallway, or a room without windows.
• Listen to your parents or safety authorities for important instructions.

After

• Don’t go near any wires that are loose or dangling. They could electrocute you!
• Tell your parents if you smell gas.
• Text, don’t talk. Unless there’s a life-threatening situation, send a text so that you don’t tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.
• Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed out. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Take care of your body and talk with your parents or other trusted adults if you are feeling upset.

Did you know?

Hurricanes can also affect areas greater than 100 miles away from the coastline. People who live inland are also at risk for wind, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding.

A tsunami (pronounced soo-nahm-ee) is a series of waves (not just one) caused by a large and sudden disturbance of the sea. Tsunami waves move outward in all directions from where it started. They can move across entire oceans. As the big waves approach shallow waters along the coast, they grow to a great height and smash into the shore. They can be as high as 100 feet. They can cause a lot of damage on the shore.

Most tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes. However, they can also be caused by landslides, volcanic activity, and even meteorites. Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis.

Words to Know

Debris - Rubble, trash, or random material such as large pieces of wood, metal, or plastic.

Inland - Away from the coastline.

Evacuation - Leaving an area that has been declared unsafe.

Seismic Sea Waves - Another way to describe tsunamis.

Am I at Risk?

Tsunamis generally appear in the Pacific Ocean and coastal areas. Hawaii is the state at greatest risk for a tsunami. They get about one a year, with a damaging tsunami happening about every seven years. Alaska is also at high risk. Coastal states, like California, Oregon and Washington experience a damaging tsunami about every 18 years.

Tsunamis can strike any U.S. coastline. Areas within a mile of the shore­line and areas less than 25-feet above sea level are at greater risk. Tsunamis generally appear in the Pacific Ocean and coastal areas. Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and the U.S. Caribbean islands are at greatest risk for a tsunami.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit with items that you will need in case you need to evacuate quickly. 
• Make a family communications plan. Review evacuation routes and sheltering in place guidelines during a pandemic. 
• If you see the water pull back from the shore out to sea very quickly, get away from the area immediately.
• There are four levels of tsunami alerts issued by the tsunami warning centers for United States and Canadian coastlines:
  • Tsunami Warning: Take Action—Danger! Follow instructions from local officials. Evacuation is recommended. Move to high ground or inland (away from the water).
  • Tsunami Advisory: Take Action. Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. Follow instructions from local officials.
  • Tsunami Watch: Be Aware. A distant earthquake has occurred. A tsunami is possible. Stay tuned for more information. Be prepared to take action if necessary.
  • Tsunami Information Statement: Relax. An earthquake has occurred, or a tsunami warning, advisory or watch has been issued for another part of the ocean. Most information statements indicate there is no threat of a destructive tsunami.

• Listen to evacuation orders and leave the area immediately if told to do so.
• Take any pets with you.
• Move inland (away from the ocean) and towards higher ground.
• Stay away from the beach. Never go down to the water to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it.
• If you see the water pull back from the shore out to sea very quickly, get away from the area immediately.
• Move to the upper levels of a tall, fortified building to minimize your hazard exposure.

During

• Listen to evacuation orders and leave the area immediately.
• Take any pets with you.
• Move inland (away from the ocean) and towards higher ground.
• Stay away from the beach. Never go down to the water to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it.
• If the water recedes from the shoreline or goes out to sea in a very noticeable way, get away from the area immediately. This is nature’s warning that a tsunami is coming.
• Move to the upper levels of a tall, fortified building to minimize your hazard exposure.

After

• Don’t return home unless officials tell you it is safe to do so. Tsunami waves can continue for hours and the next wave may be more dangerous than the first.
• Stay away from debris in the water. It could be dangerous.  
• Carefully watch every step you take. Stay away from debris in the water. It could be dangerous because it could contain harmful chemicals or may be electrified by downed power lines
• Stay out of any building with water around it. Water can make floors crack or walls collapse.
• Text, don’t talk. Unless there’s a life-threatening situation, send a text so that you don’t tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.
• Be very careful before re-entering your home or other buildings. Tsunami-driven floodwater has likely damaged the building in many ways that you can’t see. Be sure a parent or adult is with you.
• Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed out. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Take care of your body and talk with your parents or other trusted adults if you are feeling upset.

Did you know?

“Tsunami” is a Japanese word. Tsu means “harbor” and nami means “wave.”

On the open spaces of the ocean, a fast-moving tsunami may only be a few feet high, with 100 miles separating wave crests. As they approach shore, waves increase in height and currents intensify, which create a bigger threat to life and property.

Few tsunamis “break” like the waves seen in wind-generated waves popular with surfers. Tsunamis are more often associated with strong currents and walls of water that do not retreat like normal tidal waves do.

Tsunamis may be local, regional, or far away. The type of tsunami depends on the location of where the tsunami started and where it may hit land.

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface.

A volcanic eruption may release acid, gases, rocks, and ash into the air. Lava and debris can flow at up to 100 miles per hour, destroying everything in their path. About 11 percent of the world’s active volcanoes are located in the U.S., which has approximately 170 volcanoes. These volcanoes are both active and dormant. Earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, debris and mudflow (lahar), or acid rain may happen at the same time as a volcanic eruption.  

Words to Know

Ash - Fine fragments (less than 2-4 mm) of volcanic rock. Volcanic ash is gritty, abrasive, and can be corrosive.

Eruption - A sudden, violent outburst, like an explosion.

Lava - Molten rock that comes from a volcanic explosion and the rock that results after it has hardened and cooled.

Lava Rock - Volcanic lava that has hardened after it has cooled.

Molten - Made liquid by heat, melted.

Dormant - Dormant volcanoes no longer erupt. However, they might erupt again in the future.

Lahars - Also called mudflow or debris flow, it is a mixture of water and volcanic debris that moves quickly downstream.

Lava Flow - A slow moving river of molten (liquid) rock that pours from a volcanic eruption.

Magma - Molten rock beneath the surface of the earth.

Pyroclastic Flow - A thick, fast-moving, and extremely hot avalanche of ash, pumice, and rock. It can move up to 50-100 mph.

Am I at Risk?

Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes. However, other states and territories also have active volcanoes. Volcanic ash can travel hundreds of miles and cause severe health problems.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit. Include items that you will need if you have to evacuate quickly. 
• Make a family communications plan.
• In addition to all hazard supplies, include: goggles, N-95 disposable mask, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and supplies to seal ash out of your home.
• Since volcanic ash may ruin water supplies, include additional supplies of water.
• Learn about your community’s volcanic eruption warning systems and emergency evacuation plans. Many communities have sirens to alert public of a possible volcanic eruption.
• Learn about the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program alert-level  system:
  • NORMAL (green): Volcano is in a noneruptive state, or has returned to a noneruptive state after a higher level of volcanic activity.
  • ADVISORY (yellow): Volcano is showing signs of heightened activity above known background level. An advisory (yellow) could also mean that volcanic activity has decreased significantly after being at a higher level, but continues to be closely monitored in case it returns to a high level.
  • WATCH (orange): Volcano is showing higher unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain. A watch could also mean that an eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.
  • WARNING (red): Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

During

• Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities. Evacuate immediately from the volcano area. You may be asked to evacuate early to provide time to leave the area while routes are available.
• Look out for a flowing river of mud (mudflow). Look upstream before you cross any bridges to make sure a mudflow is not coming. If it is, do not cross the bridge. The mudflow could destroy it.
• For lahars—move to high ground off valley floors.

After

• Listen to safety officials.
• Text, don’t talk. Unless there’s a life-threatening situation, send a text so that you don’t tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.
• Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed out. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Take care of your body and talk with your parents or other trusted adults if you are feeling upset.

Did you know?

Volcanic ash….

• is made up of tiny jagged rock and glass
• can block sunlight and sometimes come with lightning
• can pile up like heavy snowfall but doesn’t melt or dissolve in water
• can clog and jam machinery (including aircraft), causing damage

That’s why it’s important to keep and wear a N-95 dust mask and eye goggles or glasses (not contact lenses) if you are in a volcanic ashfall area! Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to help reduce exposure.

A wildfire is a fire that burns out of control in a natural area, like a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can start from natural causes, such as lightning, but they are usually caused by humans, such as campers or hikers who did not put out their campfire properly. Wildfires spread quickly, burning brush, trees, and homes in its path. They can also affect natural resources (such as soil, animals, forests), destroy homes, and put people's lives in danger.

Words to know!

Evacuation - Leaving an area that has been declared unsafe.

Fire Extinguisher - A fire protection device that sprays foam and is used to help put out small fires.

Red Flag Warning - Also called a Fire Weather Warning, it is a warning for when fire danger exists because of weather patterns.

Evacuation Notice - An evacuation notice tells you that a fire is nearby, and it is important—or mandatory—to leave the area.

Fire Weather Watch - A notice that dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12 to 72 hours.

Smoke Alarms - Sensors attached to the ceiling that sound an alarm when they sense smoke.

Am I at Risk?

Wildfires can happen anywhere, anytime. The chance of wildfires happening is higher when there is little or no rainfall. This makes bushes, grass and trees dry and easier to burn. High winds can spread wildfires. Your community may have a designated wildfire season when the risk is particularly high.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit in case you have to evacuate. 
• Make a family communications plan.
• Know your evacuation route and practice going to these places. 
• Make sure your family has smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially in bedrooms. Ask your parents to check them every month and to change the batteries every year.
• If you don’t have a smoke alarm, check with your local fire department about getting a free one.
• Help your parents to rake the lawn and get rid of leaves and twigs. These can catch fire if a wildfire is near your home. Never play with matches. You could accidentally start a fire.

During

• Listen to emergency officials
• Follow local emergency officials’ orders. If they say to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If you see a wildfire, call 9-1-1. You may be the first person to have spotted it!
• If trapped, call 9-1-1.

After

• Call 9-1-1 and seek help immediately if you or someone you are with has been burned. Cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.
• If you are at home, keep a “fire watch.” That means, look for smoke or sparks throughout the house. If you see anything, tell a grown-up immediately!
• If you have evacuated, do not go home until safety officials say it’s okay. Stay away from downed or dangling power lines. They could electrocute you.
• Avoid walking on hot/burning surfaces. After a fire, the ground may contain heat pockets or hidden embers. Stay away. They could burn you or spark another fire.
• If you have animals, watch them closely and keep them under your control. Note that hidden embers and hot spots could burn their paws or hooves.
• Do not use water from the faucet unless emergency officials say it’s okay.
• Burned areas should be monitored for at least 12 hours to make sure the fire is out and danger has past.
• Leave wildfire clean-up activities to adults. Children should not help with clean-up efforts.
• Throw away food exposed to heat, smoke, or soot. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Use text or social media to communicate with your family and friends.

Did you know?

The three elements needed to create and keep a fire burning are heat, fuel, and oxygen, also known as the fire triangle.

Incident Meteorologists (IMETs) are a group of around 70 specially-trained weather experts with the National Weather Service. They work closely with wildfire responders at wildfire sites to monitor, analyze, and report fire and weather conditions. Their forecasts help firefighters plan operations when dealing with the unpredictable nature of fire. This helps keep emergency responders safe.

During winter, the air outside can get very cold. A winter storm happens when there is heavy rain and the temperature is low enough that the rain turns to ice or forms as sleet or snow. Winter storms can be freezing rain and ice, moderate snowfall over a few hours, or a blizzard that lasts for several days.

Sometimes, winter storms bring strong winds, ice, sleet, and freezing rain. Winter weather can knock out heat, power, and communications. Sometimes, this can last for days or weeks. Icy roads can also cause serious accidents.

Many winter storms bring dangerously low temperatures. Sometimes, people are injured or die from being in really cold temperatures for too long because this can lead to hypothermia or frostbite.

Words to Know

Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground. This makes a layer of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.

Hypothermia - A sickness when your body temperature drops below what is needed to be healthy and work properly.

Winter Weather - A warning issued when conditions could cause dangerous situations (such as icy roads or sidewalks).

Frostbite - A medical condition when skin or body tissue is damaged from freezing.

Sleet - Rain that turns to ice before reaching the ground.

Winter Storm Watch - A warning issued when severe winter conditions may affect your area.

Winter Storm Warning - A warning issued when a lot of snow or sleet is expected in the next few hours or day.

Am I at Risk?

Almost everyone in the United States can be affected by winter storms and extreme cold.

What Can I Do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit to last for several days or weeks in case you must stay at home.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Help your parents sprinkle rock salt, sand or kitty litter on sidewalks and walkways. This helps to make them less slippery.
• Make sure you dress warmly and have extra blankets!
• Bring pets inside. They can be injured by the cold, too.

During

• Stay inside!
• Sidewalks can be very slippery, and you can hurt yourself if you fall.
• If you are outside helping to shovel snow, make sure you wear a hat. It helps keep you from losing body heat. Cover all exposed parts of your body. Wear layered clothing and wear a hat and a scarf, cover your mouth to protect your face and keep you warm.
• Wear mittens, if you have them. They’re warmer than gloves.
• Put on dry clothes as soon as you come inside.
• If you can’t feel your fingers, toes, ears, or nose, or they appear white or grayish-yellow, tell a grown-up immediately. Frostbite is dangerous and you may need to see a doctor.
• Tell a grown up immediately if you can’t stop shivering, have trouble remembering things, feel tired or talk funny. You may have hypothermia, which can be very dangerous.
• If your family uses a generator, make sure to use it outside. Keep it away from the house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If your home loses power, you and your family can go to a designated public shelter or warming center.

After

• Continue to wear layers, a hat, scarf, and mittens or gloves. These will help to keep you warm and protect you from frostbite and hypothermia.
• Remind your parents to clean surfaces that people touch frequently, like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. 

Did you know?

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. Signs can be shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you see signs of hypothermia in someone, get them to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first, such as the head, neck, and chest. Keep them dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck. 

Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the face, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can make skin numb and change color to white or grayish-yellow. Skin can also become firm or waxy. If you see signs of frostbite, go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

School is back in session. As you stock up on pencils, take first-day pictures, and adjust to new bus schedules, take a few, quick steps that can keep your child safer during an emergency.

From tornadoes to water main breaks, emergencies can occur with little or no warning—even during the school day. As children head back to school, take a few steps to help protect your child from an emergency and to reunite with your child quickly and safely.

Protecting Your Child Is as Easy as A-B-C

Ask how you would be reunited with your child in an emergency or evacuation

• If students had to evacuate, where should you go to pick them up?
• How would the school notify you in the event of emergency?

Bring extra medication, special foods, or supplies your child would need if you were separated overnight

• What essential supplies would your child need if separated from you overnight? (Medications? Inhaler? Milk? Diapers? Battery pack for special equipment?)
• Does the school have an emergency stockpile of these items or could you bring extras to be kept at school?
• What is the school policy for how and when medicine can be administered to your child?

Complete a backpack contact information card and tuck one in your child’s backpack and your wallet

• Emergencies are chaotic! Make sure your child or their school knows how to reach you, and who should be called if your phone isn’t working.
• Download and complete your own backpack card.

Follow these A-B-C’s so that emergencies are less chaotic, children can be kept safe, and families can be reunited safely as soon as possible.