Accurate information allows you to make informed decisions.

What information do I need in an emergency?

• Nature of the emergency: “What’s going on?”
• Severity: “How bad is it?”
• Areas affected: “Where is it happening?”
• Estimated duration: “How long will it last?”
• Evacuate or shelter-in-place: “Should I stay or go?”
• Additional instructions from authorities: “What else?”
• Status of family members: “How and where is everyone?”
• Status of neighbors: “We’re OK. How can I help others?”

WATCH: Be Prepared. Issued well in advance to alert the public of the possibility of a particular weather-related hazard (e.g., tornado watch, flash flood watch). Occurrence, location, and timing may still be uncertain.
ADVISORY: Be Aware. Issued for weather that causes significant inconveniences and if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations. Significant events are occurring, imminent, or have a very high probability of occurrence.
WARNING: Take Immediate Action! Issued when a weather or flood hazard is imminent or already occurring (e.g., tornado warning, flash flood warning). Conditions are posing a threat to life or property.

Emergency Information Sources

Emergency Alert System (EAS): Standard AM/FM radio. Utah region – KSL 1160 AM, 102.7 FM
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Emergency alerts sent to mobile phones in a specific
geographical area.
NOAA weather radio and tone alert radio:
Receives notifications for weather hazards and other non-weather alerts. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/ for more information.
Social media: Follow state, county, city, law enforcement, fire rescue, and other emergency response and management authorities in your area on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
Highway message boards: Watch for alerts and messages about safety, road hazards, and alternate routes.
Route alerting: Response personnel go to neighborhoods and give emergency information via loud-speaker or door-to-door.

Know the emergency communications plans for your city, schools, and places of employment.

Make a Plan, Get a Kit, Be Informed, Get Involved
For more preparedness information: BeReady.Utah.gov

*Emergency communications complete information is available online in the Be Ready Library