Preparing for natural disasters
Your county's record first, then the National Weather Service's safety steps
Preparing starts with what has happened where you live. Your county page lists every hazard NOAA has recorded there and the months it strikes. Nationally since 1996, heat killed the most people (6,736 recorded deaths), then floods (3,050) and winter storms (2,497). For what to do, the National Weather Service publishes safety steps for each hazard; the key ones are quoted below.
By PlainHazard Editorial · Updated · How this was measured
1. Read your county's record
- Which hazards. The county page ranks the hazards recorded there by records, deaths and damage since 1950.
- Which months. Its month chart shows when they strike; the busiest months nationally are below.
- How it compares. Its rank in the state and the nation, and FEMA's risk rating.
- Federal help in the past. The FEMA declarations that named the county, and its flood insurance claims.
| Hazard | Busiest months |
|---|---|
| Tornadoes | Apr, May, Jun, Jul |
| Floods | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | Aug, Sep |
| Heat | Jul, Aug |
| Winter storms | Jan, Feb, Dec |
| Wildfires | Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Lightning | Jun, Jul, Aug |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.
2. Know the difference between a watch and a warning
Tornado watch: "Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room." Tornado warning: "A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows."
National Weather Service, Tornado Watch vs. Warning
Source: National Weather Service. weather.gov/safety/tornado-ww.
3. The steps for the deadliest hazards
Tornadoes
If you are outside: "Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building." At home, the same page advises a basement or "an interior room away from windows."
National Weather Service, During a Tornado
Source: National Weather Service. weather.gov/safety/tornado-during.
Floods
NOAA's record holds 3,050 flood deaths since 1996. The National Weather Service:
"A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters."
National Weather Service, Turn Around Don't Drown®
Source: National Weather Service. weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown.
Heat
NOAA's record holds 6,736 heat deaths since 1996. The National Weather Service:
"Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down, even for just a minute." And: "Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries."
National Weather Service, During a Heat Wave
Source: National Weather Service. weather.gov/safety/heat-during.
Sources
NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2026-06-30; National Weather Service safety pages (weather.gov/safety: tornado watch and warning, during a tornado, flood, heat), read October 7, 2026.
Limits
PlainHazard is a record of past events, not a warning service. In an emergency, follow your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio and local officials.