Now.live - Emergency info on slow connections for USA and Canada

3 min read Original article β†—

⚠ Active Disasters & Declarations (FEMA | EC)

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: ❄ SEVERE WINTER STORM (WV) | ❄ SEVERE WINTER STORM (NC) | ❄ SEVERE WINTER STORM (IN) | ❄ SEVERE WINTER STORM (AR) | ❄ SEVERE WINTER STORM (TN) | ❄ SEVERE WINTER STORM (KY)

πŸ“ Find Local Info

United States: AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA PR RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY | VI AS GU MP

Canada: AB BC MB NB NL NS NT NU ON PE QC SK YT

International: UK 999 | EU 112 | AU 000 | NZ 111 | JP 110/119 | MX 911 | BR 192

πŸ†˜ Quick Reference

Earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On
Tornado: Lowest floor, interior room
Flood: Higher ground - Turn around, don't drown
Fire: Get out, stay out, call 911
Gas leak: Leave immediately, don't use electronics
Chemical: Move upwind, shelter in place
Active threat: Run, Hide, Fight
CO alarm: Get outside, call 911, don't re-enter
Flood water: Turn off electricity at breaker before contact
Lightning: Get inside; avoid trees, water, metal; crouch if stuck outside
Tsunami: Move inland and uphill immediately; don't wait
Power out: Fridge safe 4hrs, freezer 48hrs if closed
Heat stroke: Cool rapidly with water/ice; call 911; confusion is danger sign
Hypothermia: Remove wet clothes; warm gradually; hot drinks if conscious
Civil unrest: Avoid crowds; get indoors; don't engage; document if safe
- Water/Food: Water: 1 gal/4L per person per day; Water purification tablets; Non-perishable food
- Medical: First aid kit; Prescription medications; Infant/special needs items; N95 masks
- Tools/Comms: Flashlight + batteries; Battery/crank radio; Whistle; Phone + charger; Wrench (utilities)
- Docs/Money: Cash in small bills; Copies: IDs, insurance, bank; Emergency contacts; Local maps
- Shelter/Clothing: Emergency blanket; Change of clothes; Sturdy shoes; Rain gear
- Sanitation: Moist towelettes; Garbage bags + ties; Bleach; Personal hygiene items
Source: Ready.gov / GetPrepared.gc.ca

🏠 Home Prep

- Know: 2 evacuation routes; Family communication plan; Utility shutoffs (gas, water, electric); Nearest shelters; How to receive alerts
- Safety: Test smoke/CO detectors monthly; Secure water heater + heavy furniture; Fire extinguisher accessible; Know shelter-in-place location
- Power Outage: Generator: OUTSIDE ONLY; Keep 20ft/6m from openings (CO risk)
- Pets: ID tags + microchip; Carrier/leash; Food/water; Medications; Vaccination records
- Children: Comfort item; ID bracelet; Emergency contact card; Age-appropriate instructions

πŸ’° Financial Help

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: FEMA (housing, repairs) | SBA Loans | Benefits.gov | SNAP/Food
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: EI Benefits | CRA Disaster Relief | Red Cross Aid
Both: 211 connects to local aid
Tip: Document damage with photos BEFORE cleanup; keep all receipts

πŸ”„ Recovery

Before entering: Wait for official all-clear; check for gas smell, structural damage
Inside: No electricity if flooding; photograph everything; wear N95 + gloves
Food safety: Discard if power out 4+ hrs (fridge) or thawed (freezer); when in doubt, throw it out
Mold: Appears within 24-48 hrs; dry everything; clean with water/detergent; consider N95
Avoid: Contractor scams (get multiple bids, check licenses); price gouging (report to AG)

πŸ“š Resources

Guides: Emergency Guide | First Aid | Shelter & Safety
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: FEMA 1-800-621-3362 (no immigration check) | Shelters 1-800-733-2767 | Power Outages
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: GetPrepared.gc.ca | Red Cross 1-800-418-1111 | Weather Alerts | Public Safety
Crisis (Both): 988 Suicide/Crisis | 211 Local aid | DV: 1-800-799-7233 (US) / 1-866-363-1681 (CA)