Be Storm Smart, Be Storm Ready

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Read time: 1 minute

Severe weather can happen at any moment, anywhere. Every year, Americans cope with the average of the following violent storms*:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,000 tornadoes
• 2 landfalling, deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, resulting in about 500 deaths each year and about $15 billion in damages. * Knowing the risk of extreme weather, taking action, and being an example are only a few actions you can take to be more prepared to save your life and help save the lives of others.

Know Your Risk.

The first step to being weather-ready is to consider the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how weather can affect you, your company, and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, get NOAA Weather Radio, and read more about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in several ways, and your shelter plan should cover all kinds of local hazards.

Take Action. 

Take the next step in extreme weather preparedness by designing a communication plan for your home or company. Put together or buy an emergency kit. Keep confidential documents and valuables in a secure location.

Be an Example.

Once you've taken steps to plan for extreme weather, share your story with your colleagues and family, and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your tale of preparedness will encourage others to do the same thing.

Facts provided by Weather.gov