Personal Preparedness
We want to help you prepare for disasters and emergencies. The Madison area faces many hazards and threats, such as:
- Severe thunderstorms, strong wind, and tornadoes
- Extreme temperatures (hot and cold)
- Winter storms including ice and snow
- Flooding
- Power outages
The more you prepare, the more resilient you will be when met with a climate-related disaster.
Build A Kit
A well-stocked kit is the key to staying safe and comfortable while sheltering in place or evacuating during an emergency. Consider additional items for:
Stay Informed
To respond to an emergency, you have to know it’s happening. Monitor local media outlets during times of severe weather.
Be sure you're signed up for emergency alerts from Dane County. Keep in mind that sirens are only intended for warning people who are outdoors. Learn more about the Outdoor Warning Sirens.
NOAA weather radios can help wake you up when alerts are issued overnight.
You can also receive information through cell phones (wireless emergency alerts), trusted social media sources, or online news sources. Make sure you trust the source to be quick and reliable.
Many City pages will post information before, during, and after an event.
Always Be Prepared
Work on preparedness year-round. Taking it seriously can feel overwhelming or unpleasant. Break it down into monthly tasks and use the changing seasons to ensure your efforts work throughout the whole year!