Be Informed

The more you know, the calmer you feel. Getting accurate, timely information helps our brain make the next best decision during an emergency.

Where Will You Get Information?

Follow trusted sources of information that are official, local and regularly updated. Local information changes faster than national news. Consider:

• National Weather Service
• County Departments of Health
• NY Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
• Major TV networks
• 211 New York State

Knowing what disasters you may face in your region of the state and country will help you feel prepared. Visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov for more information about what types of emergencies may happen near you.

Words Matter

Know when to be alert and when to take action. You may see reports of “watches” or “warnings” being issued. But these terms mean different things and require a different response.

• A “Watch” means conditions are possible. Keep an eye out for additional information and changing conditions.
• A “Warning” means take action now. Take all warnings seriously and know when it’s time to evacuate.

Sign Up for Alerts

Many different official sources allow you sign up for their alert system, to get information directly to your phone or computer as soon as its released.

Here are a few different ways to sign up for alerts:

• Go to www.alert.ny.gov
• Text your county name to 333111
• Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 (for people in New York City)
• Turn on emergency alerts on your phone
• Download the FEMA app

Be Careful with Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to get information, but it’s also full of misinformation that spreads quickly. Before acting on information you see on social media:

• Check that the information is real and comes from an official source
• Only share information that you know is true
• Look for posts that are recent, easy to trace and are from people or agencies you trust

Avoid Information Overload

Watching too many news outlets or getting too many alerts can make stress worse.

• Try to check only one or two trusted sources
• Take breaks when you feel overwhelmed
• Write down important information in one place