NWS Ambassadors • Public Safety Partner

Weather Safety
Made Simple.

Storm Trooper Network exists to help you make safe decisions during fast-changing weather. Use this page to learn what to do before, during, and after severe weather.

Quick Actions Safety by Hazard
Note: In an emergency, follow instructions from local officials and the National Weather Service.
We are NWS Ambassadors
We promote official weather safety guidance and amplify life-saving messages during high-impact events.
Actionable guidance
Clear “what to do now” messaging.
Rapid awareness
Timely updates when minutes matter.
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Quick Actions

Before • During • After

Save this as your quick reference. When warnings are issued, you don’t want to think—you want to act.

Before
  • Know your safe place (lowest level, interior room).
  • Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone.
  • Have 2 ways to receive warnings (phone + NOAA radio/apps).
  • Charge devices; set backup power if available.
  • Make a plan for kids, pets, and mobility needs.
During
  • If a warning is issued for you: take shelter immediately.
  • Go to your safe place; protect head/neck (helmet, pillows, blankets).
  • Do not try to outrun flood waters — turn around, don’t drown.
  • Lightning nearby? Get indoors — avoid porches, trees, open fields.
  • Keep messages short and conserve battery.
After
  • Watch for downed lines, gas leaks, and unstable trees.
  • Avoid driving through debris or floodwater.
  • Use generators outdoors only (carbon monoxide risk).
  • Document damage safely; follow local guidance for recovery.
  • Check on neighbors who may need help.
Safety by Hazard

What to do for common threats

Tap a card and follow the guidance. If you’re under a warning, act immediately.

Tornado
If a Tornado Warning includes your location, shelter now.
DO
  • Lowest level, interior room, away from windows.
  • Cover head/neck (helmet, blankets, mattress).
  • Mobile home? Get to a sturdy building.
DON’T
  • Don’t open windows (wastes time).
  • Don’t shelter under overpasses.
Lightning
If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck.
DO
  • Go indoors (substantial building) or a hard-top car.
  • Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming outdoor activity.
DON’T
  • Avoid porches, pavilions, open fields, tall trees.
  • Avoid wired electronics during storms if possible.
Flash Flood
Flooding can happen fast—even in places that look dry.
DO
  • Move to higher ground immediately.
  • Follow evacuations and avoid low crossings.
DON’T
  • Never drive through water covering the road.
  • Don’t walk through floodwater (hidden hazards).
Hurricane / Tropical
Wind, flooding rain, storm surge, and outages can last days.
DO
  • Know if you’re in an evacuation zone; leave early if told.
  • Secure outdoor items and plan for multi-day outages.
DON’T
  • Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate.
  • Don’t run generators in garages or near doors/windows.
Winter Weather
Cold can be dangerous—especially with wind and outages.
DO
  • Layer clothing; protect hands/feet; limit time outside.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your car (blanket, water, charger).
DON’T
  • Don’t use grills/ovens to heat indoors (CO risk).
  • Don’t travel if roads are hazardous unless necessary.
Extreme Heat
Heat illness can happen quickly—especially in cars and outdoor work.
DO
  • Drink water often; take breaks in shade/AC.
  • Check on seniors, kids, and pets.
DON’T
  • Never leave kids or pets in vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
Be Ready

Build a simple safety plan

Most people don’t get hurt because they didn’t care—they get hurt because they didn’t have a plan. This takes 10 minutes and helps your whole household.

Household Checklist
  • ✅ Identify safe place(s) at home + work/school
  • ✅ Primary contact outside your area
  • ✅ Backup warnings (phone + NOAA radio/app)
  • ✅ Meds + pet supplies ready
  • ✅ Flashlights, batteries, chargers
Want this as a printable PDF? (Coming soon)
Know the alert words
Understanding the wording helps you react correctly.
WATCH
Conditions are favorable. Review your plan and stay aware.
WARNING
Hazard is happening or imminent. Take action now.
EMERGENCY
A severe, life-threatening situation. Follow instructions immediately.
Check Live Alerts View Weather

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