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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Learn how to prepare for a tornado, what actions to take when the warning is issued and after the tornado has passed.

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Learn what you can do to be prepared, and what actions you should take during and after a thunderstorm to stay safe.

Disaster can bring about significant stress. Each positive action you take can help you feel better and more in control.

Preparing to return home after evacuating will keep you safer while inspecting and cleaning up the damage to your home. Before traveling, ensure local officials have declared that it’s safe to enter your community and that you have the supplies you will need. Follow these suggestions for returning to, inspecting and cleaning your home.

Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they last a long time. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned about losing your perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible.

The best way to ensure the safety of your family is to be prepared with a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan includes your pets. Being prepared can help save lives. Learn the steps to take before, during and after a disaster to help your pets.

Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life- and property-threatening hazards, such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Learn how to prepare for a hurricane, get suggestions on gathering supplies and understand actions to take after the storm has passed.

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Learn how to prepare for a heat wave, actions to take during a heat wave and how to care for someone suffering the effects of excessive heat.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. The tips in this fact sheet can help you understand how to avoid getting sick, determine if you have the flu and how to care for someone who is sick.

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. This fact sheet covers actions you should take when flood warnings are issued, supplies to have on hand and how to deal with the aftermath of a flood.