Hot weather
Heat and sun safety
Plan outdoor time around the heat, recognize warning signs and know when conditions are becoming dangerous.
- Check the temperature, humidity and heat index before outdoor activity.
- Move strenuous activity to cooler morning or evening hours when possible.
- Drink water regularly and take breaks in air-conditioning or shade.
- Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked vehicle.
Severe weather
Thunderstorms, lightning and tornadoes
Know the difference between a watch and a warning, and decide where you will shelter before storms arrive.
- If you hear thunder, move into a substantial building or enclosed hard-topped vehicle.
- Stay away from windows and avoid corded electrical equipment during lightning.
- For a tornado warning, use a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor.
- Keep wireless emergency alerts enabled and have more than one way to receive warnings.
Road and flood safety
Flooding and dangerous driving
Heavy rain can hide washed-out roads and moving water can carry away a vehicle. Turn around instead of taking a chance.
- Never drive around a barricade or into a flooded roadway.
- Move to higher ground when a flash flood warning is issued for your area.
- Slow down in heavy rain, increase following distance and use headlights.
- Check official alerts and road information before a weather-sensitive trip.
Coastal weather
Hurricane preparation
Make a household plan before a storm threatens, then follow evacuation instructions from local officials.
- Know your evacuation zone and identify where you would go.
- Prepare medicines, water, food, flashlights, chargers and important documents.
- Secure outdoor items and protect windows well before tropical-storm winds arrive.
- Use generators only outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents.