United States

Warning systems in the United States: The United States uses several public warning systems. These include Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile phones, the Emergency Alert System on radio and television, and NOAA Weather Radio for weather and hazard warnings.

When an alert is received, follow the instructions of the authorities. Depending on the event, evacuation, sheltering indoors, boiling water, avoiding certain areas or switching off certain equipment may be necessary.

Country: United States of America

• Country code: US
• Official language: English
• Currency: US dollar (USD)
• Time zones: several time zones, including Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska and Hawaii
• Power supply: normally 120 V / 60 Hz, plug types A and B

The United States generally has very well-developed infrastructure. During a prolonged power outage, communication, transportation, card payments, heating, cooling, elevators, gas stations, supermarkets and parts of the water supply may still be disrupted.

Depending on the region, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, winter storms, floods, heat waves, earthquakes or industrial incidents may create additional problems.

The most important emergency numbers in the United States should be saved offline and also kept on paper.

• 911: emergency number for police, fire and medical emergencies
• 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for mental health crises and emotional distress
• 1-800-222-1222: Poison Control / poisoning emergency help
• 311: in many cities for non-urgent municipal issues, not available everywhere

Use 911 only for real emergencies. During a large blackout, lines should not be blocked by general inquiries.

The United States uses a multi-level warning system with federal, state, county and city authorities. Important channels include WEA, EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, local alert apps, official websites and local media.

• WEA: geographically targeted alerts to compatible mobile phones.
• EAS: alerts through radio and television.
• NOAA Weather Radio: weather warnings and hazard information around the clock.
• Local authorities: county, city, police, fire department and emergency management issue specific instructions.

During a blackout or weak mobile coverage, a battery, hand-crank or car radio is especially important.

For the United States, private emergency preparedness for several days is sensible. Ready.gov recommends water and non-perishable food for several days, including at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

• Plan drinking water and long-life food for everyone in the household.
• Keep medicines, first-aid supplies and personal long-term medication available.
• Prepare a battery or hand-crank radio, flashlights, spare batteries and power banks.
• Keep cash in small bills, as card payments and ATMs may fail.
• Keep important documents, phone numbers, insurance details and addresses offline.
• Prepare plans for heat, cold, evacuation, pets and vehicles depending on the region.
• With generators, grills or camping stoves, always watch for fire and carbon monoxide risks.

In case of power outages, the first responsible contact is usually the local electricity provider or grid operator. If there is immediate danger to life, fire, accident or medical emergency, call 911.

General disaster information may come from FEMA, state authorities, county or city authorities, police, fire department and emergency management, depending on the event.

For Dominican citizens in the United States, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Washington, D.C. is the central diplomatic mission. Dominican consulates are also present in several U.S. cities. Travelers should save important contacts offline before traveling.