Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters

Heatwaves & droughts

Heatwaves are becoming longer and more frequent, especially in regions unaccustomed to extreme heat.

Indoor spaces should be shaded and ventilated. Use wet cloths, fans, or improvised cooling if air conditioning is unavailable. Conserve water proactively and store extra during heat events.

Vulnerable groups (children, elderly, chronically ill) are at greatest risk. Prepare to check on and support them regularly.

• Stay indoors during peak heat hours.
• Wear light clothing.
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoid intense activity.

Flooding & rising sea levels

Flooding is one of the most common climate-related hazards and can result from heavy rainfall, dam failures, or sea level rise. Not living next to a body of water doesn’t mean you won’t experience flooding.

Residents in flood-prone areas should get familiar with local warning systems and evacuation routes in advance. If evacuation is recommended or ordered, leave as quickly as you can.

In long-term planning, consider whether relocation is possible as sea levels continue to rise. If you have a choice, avoid basement and ground floor homes.

• Seal basements.
• Store valuables and electronics above ground level.
• Have waterproof containers for documents and backup power for pumps or radios.
• Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters (there are many unseen dangers).
• If there is a risk of flooding, make sure you can access your roof. If needed, have an axe or hammer available to break through so emergency services can find and rescue you.
• In apartment buildings, know how to access the roof.

Earthquakes

Increasing rainfall and the melting of glaciers may be increasing the frequency and intensity of earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you should always have your Go Bag ready. Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases and refrigerators.

• When an earthquake happens, the recommendation is Drop, Cover and Hold On: get down on all fours, (or lock wheelchair wheels), put your arms and hands over your head and neck, and if possible, crawl under a sturdy table. Hold onto the table if possible.
• If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
• If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• If in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
• If you're outside, stay outside and move to an open area if possible.

Tsunamis

A tsunami is multiple sea waves triggered by a sudden and massive ocean disturbance. As tsunamis enter the shallower water near shore, their wave height increases as their frequency decreases, quickly creating a wave of dangerous height and power. Similar to floods, tsunamis can sweep away vehicles and structures. They can also submerge significant portions of land and thereby cause damage to critical infrastructure and put lives at risk.

• Don’t delay: if you’re near the shore and experience an earthquake, hear a tsunami warning, or observe a rapid change in water level (including the water suddenly receding), move immediately to higher ground and aim for areas at least 30 meters above sea level. If possible, you should move as far as 3 kilometers inland.
• Stay away from the beach and avoid other waterways.
• If an earthquake strikes along with the tsunami, follow the procedures for earthquakes.
• Follow Authorized Routes. If you live in or visit a coastal community, be aware of authorized evacuation routes. In the event of an emergency, stick to these routes and avoid low-lying areas most vulnerable to tsunami inundation.

Wildfires & smoke pollution

Hotter, drier climates and land mismanagement are increasing wildfire risk across much of the world. If evacuation is advised, leave immediately. Fires can move faster than expected, and air quality deteriorates rapidly. Plan evacuation routes that avoid forested areas, and know where to find updates on fire spread and air quality.

• Create a defensible zone around your home: clear dry vegetation, store flammable items away from buildings, and keep emergency tools (shovels, water hoses) accessible.
• Use masks or improvised filters (wet cloths) to reduce smoke inhalation during and after fires.

If Trapped at Home

• Stay indoors, away from outside walls.
• Stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Close doors, but leave them unlocked.
• Fill sinks and tubs with cold water.
• Contact emergency services and let them know you are trapped.

If Trapped While Traveling in a Vehicle

• If you can’t find shelter, stay in your vehicle; it will help protect you from flames and radiant heat.
• Close the windows, doors, and air vents, and turn off the air conditioner and engine.
• Turn on your hazard lights and headlights to make your vehicle more visible in heavy smoke.
• If you can safely get away from danger, continue doing so cautiously, avoiding heavy smoke.
• If you cannot safely travel away from danger, park away from trees and bushes.
• Get on the vehicle’s floor, cover yourself with a coat or blanket, and wait until the fire has passed and the temperature has dropped.

If Trapped by Flames While Outside

• Seek an area free of vegetation and ideally a depression or ditch for cover and lie face down. Shield yourself from the heat with any available object.

Landslides & soil erosion

Heavy rain and thawing permafrost destabilize slopes, especially in mountainous or recently burned terrain. Signs of risk include cracks in soil, leaning trees or poles, unusual sounds (rumbling or cracking), and water pooling where it didn’t before. Reforestation and terracing can reduce erosion over time.

Consider long-term land care as part of preparedness. Avoid building or camping on steep slopes or under rock faces.

Cold waves & polar vortex events

Even in a warming world, cold waves can become more intense due to disrupted polar airflows. Prepare for potential power outages, frozen pipes, and limited transport during extreme cold.

• Layer clothing.
• Insulate windows.
• Use backup heating sources like wood stoves or gas heaters (ventilate properly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning).
• Ensure vehicles are winter-ready with full fuel tanks, emergency supplies, and tire chains or studded tires (see Car Emergency Kit checklist) Check in on vulnerable individuals and animals regularly. Exposure can be fatal ven in well-insulated homes if heat is lost.

Solar storms & emp risks

Solar flares and electromagnetic pulses (EMP) can disrupt satellites, navigation systems, power grids, and communications. While rare, a strong geomagnetic storm could cause continent-wide blackouts and damage unshielded electronics. In case of GPS loss, know how to navigate using physical maps and a compass.

• Store radios, flashlights, and other critical electronics in a Faraday cage (metal box or wrapped in foil) to protect them.

Storms hurricanes typhoons tornadoes

Severe storms can bring destructive winds, lightning, power outages, and damage to buildings and roads. In coastal areas, prepare for storm surges and know when to evacuate.

• Have loose objects outdoors secured
• Charge devices in advance
• Stock up on emergency supplies, especially water, food, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio
• Stay indoors away from windows and protect windows depending on the severity of the storm, install shutters or cut wooden panels and seal the windows before severe storms.

After the storm, avoid downed power lines and damaged structures; check on neighbors, especially the elderly or isolated.