Preparing for Unexpected Weather

Over 90% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related. The National Weather Service has a number of programs to help communities prepare for weather emergencies.

Although you have no control over the weather, you can prepare for typical weather conditions that are likely to occur.

• Precipitation: rain, cold, or sleet
• Temperature: extreme heat or cold
• Extreme weather: tornadoes, haboobs, monsoon thunderstorms, blizzards, heat waves, and others

Always prepare for your trip by studying the weather in advance. If extreme weather is forecast, reschedule your trip for another time.

If you live in an area where extreme weather events such as monsoon thunderstorms and tornadoes take place, know when the “season” for these events occurs.

Check with the National Weather Service (NWS) website for information about weather planning and preparedness: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

• The NWS may be able to send weather forecast updates to your cell phone in text messages, depending upon where you’re located.
• Weather updates can help you avoid extreme weather events that develop.