North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Natural disasters

Hurricanes


For details about storms in the United States, please visit http://www.wunderground.com/. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website http://www.fema.gov also contains information about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to evacuate.  It also provides a useful list of disaster supplies that will help if you live in an area affected by storms and hurricanes.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical cyclones.

Earthquakes

The West Coast of the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska, is prone to Earthquakes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS)  and other scientists conclude that there is a high probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater quake, capable of causing widespread damage, striking the region before 2032. Please refer to the following website: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness

Wild Fires

Forest and brush fires (wild fires) are a danger in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.  The greatest fire risk is during a period of dry weather and high winds, which can cause brush fires to spread very rapidly. You should monitor local media reports about such fires and follow the advice of local law enforcement officials.  You should also check with your hosts in the US if you intend to travel to areas which may be affected.

The southwestern United States, especially California, is experiencing a serious drought and brush fires are a major threat across the region. The risk of major brush fires around Los Angeles and all of southern California is very high, especially from August to November. Areas of highest risk are the canyons and hills where dry vegetation and high winds can cause wild fires to move very quickly and threaten property, especially where urban areas abut wild land. Visitors and residents are urged to follow the advice of local law enforcement, especially in respect of orders to evacuate an area under threat.

The following websites can provide up-to-date information on wildfires:

National

- www.nifc.gov - the National Interagency Fire Center website

California

- http://www.calfires.com for general information on wild fires in California

- http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php  - includes statewide fire map identifying the locations of fires;

- http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/statemap.htm - to check roads for road closure/delays

Other States

- http://azsf.az.gov/fire_information/ - for general information on wild fires in Arizona

- http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/ - for general information on wild fires in Utah