Make a plan
Plan effectively for personal responsibilities and for business obligations.
Three steps to prepare for common severe weather
Severe weather is caused by environmental factors that can threaten people, property, and infrastructure. Being prepared is the easiest way to prevent bad outcomes during and after a severe weather event near you.
A natural disaster can be caused by hazardous conditions traditionally caused in the summer by damaging winds, torrential rain, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms that bring freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds. Severe weather can also occur at any time, in any location, so it is important to be prepared.
Learn how to make a plan
Build a kit
Gather essential supplies to put in a personal or business emergency kit.
Stay informed
Understand which natural disasters are likely to occur in an area and the local emergency communication platforms. (U.S., CAN)
prepare your business
Find guidance for your hazard
Each hazard page covers preparation, damage, and finding a trusted professional for that specific event.
Hurricane resources
Hurricanes can cause severe damage because of strong winds, storm surge, rip currents and flooding. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses on preparing for hurricanes, dealing with damage, and finding a trusted professional.
Winter storm resources
Winter storms can cause severe damage because of snow, ice and wind. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses on preparing for winter storms, dealing with damage, and finding a trusted professional.
Thunderstorm and tornado resources
Thunderstorms and tornadoes can cause severe damage because of strong winds, heavy rain and flooding. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses on preparing for storms, dealing with damage, and finding a trusted professional.
Flooding resources
Flooding is the single most common weather-related natural disaster. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses before and after flooding, including preparing for flooding, dealing with damage, and finding a trusted professional.
Wildfires
Wildfires can cause severe damage and danger because of both fire and smoke.
Harden your home or business against fire, from Readyforwildfire.org
Fire resistant landscaping tips, from Readyforwildfire.org
For damage, insurance and fraud after a wildfire, see insurance, recover, and avoid fraud.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes can cause severe damage to buildings, roads and pipelines because of surface ruptures and shifting rock.
Staying safe during an earthquake, from the CDC
Staying safe after an earthquake, from the CDC
What to know about earthquake insurance, from FEMA
Insurance
Recover after a disaster
Once urgent needs such as food, shelter, and safety are met, consider your financial obligations. Contact your insurance company, mortgage lender, credit card company, and other creditors to let them know about your situation.
Avoid fraud after a disaster
While many people seek to help during times of disaster, unfortunately there is also an increased risk for scams and fraud. Following are some of the most common scams.
Protect yourself from "storm chasers"
BBB warns homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of "storm chasers" and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, some may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises that they don't keep.
Home improvement scams
Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major disaster when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, up front fees, and fly-by-night businesses.
Price gouging
People often find that the cost of high-demand items skyrockets during times of emergencies such as ice storms, a severe cold snap, power outages, hurricanes, floods or other types of disasters. Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency.
Scams that target people affected by a disaster
Scams that use a disaster to target everyone else
Disaster relief resources
Report what you know
Help us investigate and warn others. Search for local scams happening in your area, and file a complaint if you suspect a business is taking advantage of consumers.