This story was originally Cast Grist and, Climate Desk collaboration.
No matter where you live, extreme weather can strike your area, causing damage to homes, power outages, and dangerous or deadly situations. If you live along the coast, It could be a hurricaneIn the Midwest or South, tornadoIn the West, Wildfireand as we have seen in recent years, it can be experienced anywhere. Heat wave or flash flood.
Experiencing a disaster and its aftermath can be emotionally distressing and confusing, from the immediate loss of life and property to conflicting information about where to get assistance. The weeks and months that follow can be even more difficult, as attention to the community is removed and civic services and events are stagnant or significantly altered.
Grist has put together this resource guide to help you stay informed and prepared for disasters, covering everything from how to find the most accurate forecasts to how to register for emergency alerts and the role of different agencies in disaster relief.
Finding out the facts about disasters
These days, many people learn about hazards in their area through social media. But it’s important to make sure the information you receive is accurate. Here are the facts about extreme weather and the most reliable places to check for emergency alerts and updates.
Local emergency manager: Cities and counties have emergency management departments that are part of the local government. In larger cities, they are often separate agencies, but in smaller communities, the fire chief or sheriff’s office manages emergency response and alerts. Emergency managers are responsible for informing residents about disasters, managing rescue and response efforts, and coordinating between various agencies. There is usually an SMS-based emergency alert system, so sign up through the local website. (Note: Most emergency alerts are in English only, though some cities have multiple languages available.) Many emergency management agencies are active on Facebook, so check there for updates as well.
Local News: Verified news sources will provide live updates during and after the storm on their local television news and social media accounts. Follow your local newspapers and TV stations on social media, such as Facebook, or check their websites regularly.
