Spontaneous Natural Disasters

Natural disaster risk is the threat of sudden events in the natural world that damage homes, cut off services and put families in danger. The same Mother Nature that sustains all life also brings volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis and mudslides. Many strike with little warning. Knowing which ones reach your area is the first step to being ready for them.

Natural disaster risk covers the earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tsunamis, mudslides and volcanic eruptions that can strike with little or no warning. The aftermath often brings lost utilities, damaged roads, broken communications and limited access to food, medical help and emergency services. Families who stock supplies, plan evacuations, learn first aid and know their neighbors are ready to bridge that gap.

The risk matters to every household, and most of all to families on coasts, fault lines, floodplains and hillsides or in tornado country. Each hazard has its own warning signs and its own response, so start with the ones that reach your area.

Guides by Hazard

• Floods and storms: Read up on flood preparedness, what to do during a hurricane, and recovery in the tornado aftermath.
• Tsunamis: Begin with tsunami preparedness, check tsunami risk areas along your coast, build a tsunami evacuation plan, learn what to do during a tsunami, return safely in the tsunami aftermath, and study the deadliest tsunamis for their lessons.
• Mudslides: Learn how to prevent mudslides around your home, what to do during a mudslide, the steps for the mudslide aftermath, and the history of the deadliest mudslides.
• Earthquakes and volcanoes: Gauge US earthquake risk and plan ahead with volcanic eruption preparedness.
• Bags: Sudden events reward a packed bag. Compare survival bags, from the bug out bag and get home bag to the INCH bag and a kids bug out bag for the youngest members of your family.