Emergency Preparedness and Weather Guide

Three of the largest earthquakes experienced in the continental United States occurred in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in 1811-12. Southeast Missouri continues to experience over 200 measurable minor earthquakes each year. Occasionally, residents can feel some of those minor earthquakes. Because a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake cannot be predicted, it is important to take steps to learn about earthquakes and to protect yourself.

Includes information to educate the public about the risks of extreme heat.

During the summer months, St. Louisans are especially vulnerable to heat-related hazards. On warm summer days, the city can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than its surrounding areas. The city's infrastructure - largely made up of asphalt, concrete and metal - traps the heat. This is known as the "urban heat island" effect. Heat waves are particularly dangerous for children, seniors, people with cardiovascular disease, and people taking psychotropic and other medications.

For information on cooling centers and other assistance during extreme heat, please call 211.

List of resources available for dealing with extreme heat.

Preparedness before a Fire occurs.

Flooding is the deadliest severe weather hazard in Missouri, with the vast majority of fatalities occurring during flash flooding and affecting people who had been in vehicles. From 2015 through 2019, 40 of Missouri’s 50 flooding deaths – 80 percent – were people who had been in vehicles.

Includes a Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross.

Includes a Power Outage Checklist from the American Red Cross.

Includes helpful information to help you create a plan for you and your family in the event of a thunderstorm—at home, at work and at relatives’ or friends’ homes that you visit frequently. Always be alert to changing weather conditions.

Preparedness tips to know about before a Severe Winter Storm happens.

Resources to help make it through the extreme temperatures of winter in St. Louis: pet safety, home care, avoiding injury, dealing with cold weather hazards.

Missouri Storm Aware contains resources, including videos, to educate the public about being prepared for a tornado.