Stay Informed: Quick Tips

Keep up with the latest flu forecasts and find out if flu is spreading in your area with CDC’s weekly Flu View report.
Conduct routine self-assessments, especially, if you are an older adult, dependent on a home use medical device, or living with a disability, to determine what you can do for yourself and with the help of a personal support network during an emergency.
Know how to ask good questions of caregivers, health care professionals, and responders; identify helpful resources and points of contact; and build a strong social network that you can call on with questions and for support.
Contact your local emergency management agency to learn more about local emergency (e.g., evacuation and shelter) plans and assistance programs, where available.
Test drive your emergency (e.g., hurricane, wildfire, and tsunami) evacuation routes to identify gas stations, emergency departments, urgent cares, veterinarians, etc. along the way.
Not all recalls are announced in the news media. Review the FDA’s weekly Enforcement Report for recalls of food, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and medical devices.
Beware of rumors and misinformation, especially on social media. Friend and follow verified sources of reliable information on social media, such as your state and local public health departments and emergency management offices, and your nearest National Weather Service Forecast Office.
Know where to find and how to use fire extinguishers and AEDs, and where to take shelter (i.e., shelter-in-place locations and emergency exits) during an emergency.
Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and smoke alarms at the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time. CO is an odorless, colorless gas, which can cause sudden illness and death.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you travel to get latest security updates from the nearest US embassy or consulate.

Page last reviewed: July 12, 2022, 11:00 AM

Content source: Office of Readiness and Response