Anywhere you live in the United States is vulnerable to natural disasters. The Southeast faces hurricanes, whereas the West Coast endures wildfires and earthquakes. Northern locations have blizzards, and tornadoes wreak havoc in the Great Plains. Wherever you live, finding safe places for shelter during natural disasters is essential.
Here are the best places to take shelter for 11 scenarios and what you should do to prepare for various situations. Being ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out will give you a greater chance for survival.
1. Thunderstorm
Thunderstorms are a potent natural disaster because they can spawn other weather events. Plus, they’re common worldwide. The National Weather Service (NWS) says thunderstorms are most common in the spring and summer. Still, they can occur in any season at any time of the day.
The NWS says the safest place during a thunderstorm is an enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring. Your home is an excellent spot if it doesn’t have exposed openings. Other good locations include schools, malls, churches and similar buildings.
Stay inside during the storm and away from electrical appliances like computers, TVs and microwaves. These devices are susceptible to power surges and fires, so use surge protectors to lessen the risk. Unplug as many items as possible before the storm arrives.
2. Tornado
An unfortunate result of thunderstorms is tornadoes. They are most common in the spring and summer and during the late afternoon and evening. You’ll see tornadoes most often in Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. Still, they can occur nearly everywhere, and you should know where to take shelter.
The safest place to be during a tornado is an underground shelter. These facilities have shields to protect you from the twister above ground. Tornados are challenging to predict, so having protection at your house or nearby is advantageous.
If you can’t get to an underground shelter, the next best option is the lowest floor of your home. Stay in touch with local media when severe weather arises because they’ll announce watches and warnings as they appear. When there’s tornado activity, get your family to a room without windows. Aim for a small room with walls around you, such as a closet or a hallway.
3. Flood
Another unfortunate consequence of thunderstorms is flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says about 10% of the U.S. is at risk for flooding — especially if you live on the Gulf Coast. However, floods have worsened globally due to climate change. More areas are at risk of this natural disaster.
The highest ground you can find is the safest place to be during a flood. It could be the uppermost floor of your home or the roof. Find hilly areas or buildings multiple stories high if your house is at or below sea level. If you can’t evacuate, make a sandbag barrier to divert water and protect your home. Floodwaters cause damage and electrical fires and lead to mold.
4. Earthquake
Thunderstorms are easier for the NWS to predict. Typically, you’ll know when the worst storms arrive a few days or a week in advance. However, weather experts can’t predict when an earthquake will occur. There aren’t signs or patterns you can use to see one coming. Fault lines can have sudden slips, causing a massive, rumbling quake. Finding shelter won’t be easy, but it’s necessary.
When you feel the rumbling, remain wherever you are — whether inside or outside. If you’re inside, move away from the windows and any objects containing glass, such as a china cabinet. Ideally, you’ll drop to the ground and find cover under a desk or table while holding onto the object’s legs. These hard surfaces will protect you from debris falling from the sky.
Stay far away from buildings, power lines and telephone poles if you’re outside. Use the same technique of dropping to the ground. This time, you’ll cover your head and neck while on your knees. Stay put until the earthquake stops. If it comes while driving, pull over to the side of the road and set your parking brake.
5. Volcano
Volcanic eruptions are another unpredictable natural disaster. Volcanoes erupt because of activity happening below the surface. Scientists can’t see the magma and volcanic gases beneath the surface, so monitoring and predicting an eruption is hard.
Volcanic eruptions are dangerous, especially when trekking Yellowstone National Park or the mystical volcanoes of Hawaii. If you’re in these parks, turn on emergency alerts to know when officials suspect the volcano is about to erupt. Evacuate as soon as you hear the news. Getting in your vehicle and driving away is best.
Seek indoor shelter quickly if you aren’t near a vehicle. If there are no shelters, walk upwind to reduce your exposure to volcanic ash and other harmful airborne substances. Stay uphill as much as possible because volcanic ash typically accumulates in low-lying areas like valleys and canyons. The high ground will better protect you from lava.
Treat lava burns quickly to protect your skin from long-term damage. Some remedies include petroleum jelly, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, sterile bandages and cold, wet compresses.
6. Wildfire
Wildfires are unique natural disasters because they can happen on their own. However, humans can also start on purpose or by neglecting their camps. Regardless, wildfires are among the most dangerous events on the list. They are deadly, and the smoke can negatively impact an area for years.
Wildfires are most common in the West. However, they can happen nearly anywhere. Follow evacuation orders if one occurs near you. Local officials will provide instruction on the best routes to get to safety. Staying put during a wildfire is not advisable because even short-term exposure leads to damaged lungs and inflammation.
Find shelter in a building with noncombustible materials if you can’t leave the area. Some examples include concrete, brick and stone. Schools and community centers are excellent options because they typically contain fireproof materials.
Some people can’t leave home during a wildfire. If you must stay put, close the vents, doors, windows and all entry points for smoke. Lower your exposure as much as possible. Don’t create smoke in your home through fireplaces, stoves, tobacco products or candles. Use a high-efficiency air filter in your HVAC system to mitigate any smoke entering your home.
7. Hurricane
Hurricanes are one of the deadliest natural disasters on this list. For the last century, numerous storms have devastated the country — especially the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard. Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Ian and Maria are only a few in recent memory. The only silver lining of hurricanes is there is time to prepare, whether you evacuate or stay put.
Meteorologists can see the severity of a hurricane before it makes landfall and predict how strong it will be before it hits your area. Hurricanes of any category are destructive, but the amount of caution you take should upgrade with every level. If the reports say a category 5 storm is coming, plan to evacuate immediately.
Evacuation is ideal, but some people may need to stay put during a hurricane. When the storm arrives, seek shelter in a fortified building and remain on the lowest level. Find a closet or bathroom because they’ll offer protection from the damaging winds.
You’ll have time to prepare your home for the hurricane, so pay special attention to your doors and windows. Protect your garage door because the water and debris can harm your vehicle and other expensive belongings. Inspect your garage for cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent water damage. You’ll also reduce the risk of fires and electric shock.
8. Drought
When you imagine natural disasters, you likely picture damaging winds, tornadoes and earthquakes. However, some events are more subtle and less disruptive to your life. Droughts are a less obvious natural disaster, but they’re as dangerous as the other kinds. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says droughts rank second only behind hurricanes in monetary damage — causing about $9.6 billion worth per event.
Find locations with reliable water supplies during a drought. These cities and towns are better prepared and will be less restrictive on water consumption. The Northeast and the Midwest are the safest places, while the American Southwest is most likely to see droughts. Arizona, Nevada and California can have especially bad droughts in the summertime.
Do your best to help the water supply if you stay put during a drought. Some quick fixes include short showers instead of baths and waiting until the dishwasher and washing machine are full before running loads. Only flush the toilet when necessary and turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Take steps to protect your home from droughts. These strategies include rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient appliances and low-flow fixtures like showerheads. Also, you should regularly inspect your house for water leaks. Finding and mitigating them early saves you headaches when the drought arrives.
9. Blizzard
Most natural disasters require warm and moist conditions before wreaking havoc. However, these catastrophic events can occur during the dead of winter. The most notable cold-weather disaster is a blizzard.
Americans typically see blizzards in the Midwest and Great Plains — though they can happen as far east as Maine and Massachusetts. Avoiding blizzards means traveling as far south as Miami Beach, which has only seen snow once in its recorded history.
When a blizzard arrives, the safest place is inside a well-insulated building with heat sources. It’s not advisable to go outside because heavy snow and winds make road conditions unsafe. Plus, you risk hypothermia and other illnesses by going outside.
If you don’t have reliable heat sources, find community centers that provide shelter during blizzards. These storms are unpredictable, so many organizations will announce when they open their doors to the public.
Blizzards often require you to stay put, so preparing your home for the storm is wise. Insulating your house’s doors, windows and pipes is vital. Clean the gutters to prevent ice dams and find backup heating sources like generators. The storm could last days, so being ready for this disaster is essential.
10. Ice Storm
Ice storms are another unwanted winter phenomenon. This natural disaster is just as dangerous as a blizzard because it can cause power lines, telephone poles and trees to collapse.
The safest place during an ice storm is indoors and in a well-insulated building. Stay off the roads because they’ll likely have iced over and become undrivable. Elevated surfaces like bridges are even more dangerous because they quickly freeze. Stay indoors and off the streets.
Ice storms can cause power outages, so you may need to seek emergency shelter. If you must drive, prepare your car beforehand by deicing it and checking your battery levels. Drive slowly to safety and stick to the main roads as much as possible because they’ll likely have adequate lighting.
11. Dust Storm
Dust storms are another underestimated natural disaster. They might not seem as dangerous as a category 5 hurricane, but they can quickly trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks for those with lung issues. Dust storms can occur anywhere but are most common in the American Southwest because they thrive in arid conditions.
During a dust storm, follow similar protocols to wildfires. Stay indoors with closed doors and windows to prevent harmful particles from entering your home. Using your HVAC unit to circulate indoor air and filter dust that’s infiltrated your house is essential. Seal every gap and crevice you can find with weatherstripping and caulking to protect your interior as much as possible.
Staying Safe During Natural Disasters
When natural disasters strike, it’s essential to act quickly. Some events — such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions — are nearly impossible to predict. Thus, you should be ready to implement emergency plans. Practice your strategies with your family by running drills. Each run-through will tell you where to improve.
Some natural disasters, like hurricanes and blizzards, give you more warnings beforehand. Use this time to prepare your house with weatherstripping, sandbags and other safeguards. Do everything you can to protect your property and family in advance.
Any location in the U.S. is vulnerable to some natural disaster, so knowing the safest place during each scenario is essential. Put a plan in place and ensure everyone in your family is familiar with it. You’ll be more likely to weather the storms and emerge unscathed.
[Editor’s note: This was a guest post.]
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