Perhaps the most basic thing to remember is to _keep calm_. This may
mean the difference between life and death. In many disasters, people
have been killed or injured needlessly because they took thoughtless
actions when they should have done something else--or done nothing at
all just then.

In a time of emergency, taking proper action may save your life. _Take
time to think_, and then take the considered action that the situation
calls for. Usually, this will be the action you have planned in advance,
or the action you are instructed to take by responsible authorities.

Here is other guidance that applies to most types of natural disasters.


WARNING

LEARN YOUR COMMUNITY'S WARNING SIGNALS. In most communities having
outdoor warning systems, the Attack Warning Signal is a wavering sound
on the sirens, or a series of short blasts on whistles, horns, or other
devices. This signal will be used only to warn of an attack against the
United States.

Many communities also are using an _Attention or Alert Signal_, usually
a 3- to 5-minute _steady blast_ to get the attention of their people in
a time of threatened or impending peacetime emergency. In most places,
the Attention or Alert Signal means that people should turn on their
radio or television sets to hear important emergency information being
broadcast.