Alerts, Forecasting, and Notifications

Living in Harm's Way

Theoretically, disasters could be avoided if people didn’t live in hazardous areas. However, realistically, that is impossible. Because no matter where people live, some form of natural hazard will likely threaten them at some point. Whether it is an earthquake, wildfire, flood, hurricane, eruption, or something else, Earth tends to throw people into harm’s way regardless of what we do. So, the best we can do is be prepared, and with the help of some innovative technologies, possibly get alerted of an impending threat.

Learn how USGS works with partners, emergency planners, and managers to provide hazard data alerts, forecasts, and monitoring and notification systems. From earthquakes to harmful algal blooms, USGS scientists are on the cutting edge in understanding when, where, and what we need to do to avoid loss.

Alerts

From wildfires to flooding to earthquake early warnings, USGS helps provide warnings in time to get ready and get out of harm’s way. You and your family can subscribe to many of them.

Notifications

In addition to monitoring, USGS actively works to notify people about possible threats. By raising awareness people can plan, act, and avoid threats from natural hazards. A few extra seconds can afford people time to act, whether this is evacuating or dropping, covering, and holding on.

Forecasting

In other cases, community alerts, forecasting, and drills give people critical time to prepare or avoid the disaster.

Informational Services

The USGS brings a range of expertise to observing potential threats in our Nation’s land, air, and water. Here are a few examples of real-time data we distribute free of charge.

Citizen Science Observations

Citizen science allows you to contribute to science no matter where you are. Whether by asking questions, reporting observations, or collecting data, you and other members of the public can use your talents to help advance scientific knowledge.