First Moves

Some decisions shouldn't wait.

Protect yourself from the immediate danger. Follow the current instruction for your location. Work out the rest when you have room to think.

Find current official sources See the first actions

Immediate action

Match the action to what is happening.

These are short starting points. Current local orders, warnings, road closures, and utility instructions take precedence.

Earthquake

Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Stay where you are while the ground is moving unless the immediate location is unsafe. Protect your head and neck. After the shaking, check for immediate hazards.

Earthquake details and sources

Tsunami

Strong or long shaking near the coast is a natural warning.

When the shaking stops, move inland or to high ground as soon as you can do so safely. Do not wait for an alert when you have felt the natural warning.

Coastal earthquake guidance

Wildfire

Leave when the responsible authority tells you to leave.

Use the route named in the current notice when one is provided. If conditions are worsening around you, do not wait for a perfect information picture.

Wildfire details and sources

Flood

Move away from rising or moving water.

Do not walk or drive through floodwater. A familiar road can hide a washed-out surface, current, debris, or contamination.

Flood details and sources

Winter storm or outage

Keep heat, exhaust, and electricity from becoming the next emergency.

Stay clear of downed lines. Use generators outdoors and well away from openings. Follow utility and road instructions for your location.

Winter-storm details and sources

Volcanic activity or ash

Follow the official zone and route guidance.

Valley hazards and ashfall call for different actions. Use the issuing authority's map and instructions rather than a regional summary.

Volcano details and sources

Reviewed July 25, 2026. Recheck linked official guidance before publication and on the scheduled review date.

After immediate danger

Then make the next useful picture.

Once you are safe enough to think, ordinary functions and the people nearby become the work.