State guide

Emergencies in the District of Columbia

Who runs emergency management in the District of Columbia, how warnings reach you and which hazards to plan for. In short, with links to the official sources.

Emergency number911Text 911 also works in many areas. If it does not, you get a bounce-back message.
State emergency managementDC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency
Phone alertsWireless Emergency AlertsOn by default on most phones. Check that emergency and public safety alerts are switched on.
Weather warningsNational Weather ServiceType your ZIP code for local warnings.

How to get warned in the District of Columbia

  1. Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts on. They reach every compatible phone in the affected area, for extreme weather, evacuations and AMBER alerts. No sign-up is needed.
  2. Sign up for your county or city alerts. Most counties in the District of Columbia run their own opt-in text and email system, which sends more local messages than WEA (road closures, boil-water notices, shelter openings). Find yours through your county emergency management office or the state agency.
  3. Get a NOAA Weather Radio. It sounds an alarm for warnings in your county even at night and during power or cell outages. Pick a model with SAME coding so it only alerts for your area.
  4. Know the difference: a watch means conditions are right for a hazard, so get ready; a warning means it is happening or about to, so act now.

Main hazards in the District of Columbia

The basics for every home in the District of Columbia

The 72-hour go bag How much water to store Power outages Evacuation checklist Your family emergency plan

Other states

Agency links checked in October 2026. Hazards listed are the main ones for the state as a whole; your county's hazard mitigation plan has the local picture. In an emergency, follow your local officials.