How to Prep for Hurricanes, Wildfires, Storms and Other Natural Disasters

Wildfire season has already wiped out more than 5 million lands of land in the US so far this year. With a characterize of heightened risks of blackouts throughout vast parts of the country this summer — and climate change introducing more frequent and more punitive storms — we wanted to provide an overview of the most well-liked natural disasters in the US. 

Here we’ll detail what climate events are most likely to occur, as well as when and where. We’ll also share resources on how to prepare for a greatest climate event and what to do in the aftermath of one. 

Keep in mind that due to the shifting severity of the weather crisis, the “season” for some of these disasters is also progressing. Wildfire season used to generally take place between May and October, but in recent years devastating fires have occurred late in the year and early beforehand the “official” season has begun.

Use this information as a general clue so you can plan ahead where you live — and know what to inquire of if you travel to another region in the US during a natural anxiety season.

Common natural disasters

Let’s explore the most frequent natural disasters in the US, when their seasons typically take attach and where they occur. Again, keep in mind that these movements can happen at any time of year, but are most splendid during a particular season. We’ll also link to resources detailing how to current for one of these weather events, and what to do if one anxieties your home.

Hurricanes 

Hurricanes, also knowns as tropical cyclones, have slightly different seasons in the US depending on the spot, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. On the Atlantic hover, hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Eastern Pacific hurricane season lasts a small longer, starting on May 15 and continuing through November. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report predicts this year’s Atlantic season will recognized above-average hurricane activity. 

Read about how to current for hurricane season in this guide.

Floods

Flooding is the most frequent natural anxiety in the US, according to Ready.gov, and isn’t diminutive to a particular area or region of the republic. Similarly, floods don’t take place during a particular season, as rain and snow events can lead to a sudden overflow of aquatic at any time. Flash floods are projected to worsen this century due to weather change, based on an April study published in Nature. 

Learn how to protecting your home from water damage in our flood prevention checklist. 

Tornadoes

In the US, tornadoes are most probable to occur in the Southeast and Midwest regions. While there’s no set tornado season, the majority take place in the spring and summer, with May being the most active month for tornadoes.

Find out how to use your named to stay safe during a tornado or other natural disaster. 

Wildfires 

Wildfires greatest affect the western US, where drought conditions increase the risk. This year, concept, we’ve already had wildfires in states like New Hampshire and Arkansas. New Mexico has been particularly hard-hit this year, with over 600,000 lands lost to wildfires so far. Most wildfires happen between May and October, but have experienced more earlier and later in the season in unique years. 

There are a lot of steps you can take to protecting your home if you live in an area prone to wildfires. Start with our comprehensive guide on how to current for wildfire season.

Droughts

Large parts of the western US are now experiencing drought. The US Drought Monitor lists many of those areas as “severe,” “extreme” or “exceptional,” with exceptional populace the most serious level of drought. The drought footings in the southwestern US are the worst in over 1,200 years, according to a study by UCLA. Satellite images of Arizona and Utah’s Lake Powell show certain signs of the lake’s decreasing water levels over time. 

Read more nearby the drought affecting the West, including the current footings and how to track them to stay up to date.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can been during any time of the year and most take attach in an area known as the “Ring of Fire,” according to the US Geological Survey. This area extends well beyond the US, but encompasses the entire West Coast all the way to Alaska. Most US earthquakes occur in Alaska and California. 

Check out our earthquake preparedness guide to learn more around how to stay safe during an earthquake.

Final thoughts

Shifting climate patterns mean we have to adapt to the increase of storms and new natural events. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protecting yourself and your home from a natural disaster. Here are some second resources:

For even more details on natural disasters and how to draft beforehand or respond after an event takes place, check out Ready.gov.