General Disaster Information

A disaster is any tragedy that effects a community or environment on a large scale. Disasters can be manmade hazards such as chemical spills or events like 9/11, but most often disasters are caused by natural events like tornados, earthquakes, fires, and floods. These disasters and other similar emergencies can occur quickly and without warning. If the event is serious enough, you could even be forced to leave your home and neighborhood until the area can be made safe again. Recovering from disasters comes easiest to families who have made and practiced emergency plans beforehand. To find out what you can do to help your family be prepared for a disaster, click here.

There is also a new type of disaster being included in the natural category, biological disasters, which describes the devastating effects that may be caused by a quickly spreading and hazardous living organism such as a plant that is harmful to local vegetation or the spread of a disease such as the H1N1 flu, commonly known as the swine flu. Learn more about the H1N1 Flu here.

Important Numbers to Know

Local Non-Emergency Services Numbers

Utility Company Numbers

To report natural gas leaks, downed power lines, or other emergencies, please call:
1-800-743-5000.

To report a power outage or learn about power outages in your area, please call:
1-800-743-5002.