Be in the Know

Knowing when a disaster is imminent — and having access to updates as a disaster unfolds — is vital to an emergency communications plan.

Government agencies work with communications providers to make sure this information is accessible.

• Put a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio in your emergency preparedness kit.
• Add a “severe weather alert” app to your smartphone. Use it! And share with family and co-workers.

Different disasters require different responses. Knowing what to do and where to go before there’s a disaster is part of a complete communications plan.

• Use the Risk Assessment to determine what types of disasters are most likely in your area.
• Use the Evacuate or Stay Put? resources to understand where to go if a disaster occurs.