Be Informed

There are many ways that authorities share emergency warnings, updates, and safety instructions. Take steps now to make sure you’ll get the information you need when an emergency happens.

Stay Informed

• Find out how to get local emergency alerts. Check with your local health department or emergency management agency to see how they share emergency information. Some places use:
  • Emergency texts
  • Phone calling systems
  • Digital road signs
  • Social media
  • Sirens and speakers
  These are in addition to emergency alerts sent by the federal government.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals. Be able to recognize what the warning signals sound and look like and what you should do when you hear or see them.
• Tune in. Listen to and watch reliable news sources. Keep a weather radio handy.

Watches and Warnings

• A watch means that there is a high possibility that a weather emergency will occur. When a severe storm watch is issued for your area, continue to listen to the radio or television for updates and pay attention to visible weather changes around you.
• A warning means that a weather emergency is already happening, or will happen soon. When you hear a warning, take immediate action