Learn flood preparedness with this fun, new video. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a 90-second animation that illustrates what you should do before, during, and after a flood. Watch it today!

Before a flood, learn about your home's flood risk and consider flood insurance . We encourage you to also spread the message of flood preparedness on your website or social media accounts by sharing this new animation:

• When the Clouds Form

For more information on flood preparedness, visit the Prepareathon website . You may also find additional hazard-specific animations on  FEMA's YouTube Channel .

Watch a fun, new animation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to learn about wildfire preparedness. The video illustrates what you should do before, during, and after a wildfire. Watch it now!

We encourage you to also spread the message wildfire preparedness on your website or social media accounts by sharing this new animation:

• When the Fire Starts

For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit the Prepareathon website . You may also find additional hazard-specific animations on FEMA's YouTube Channel .

When planning a picnic, barbecue, or day at the beach this summer, learn how to keep your food safe. 

According to FoodSafety.gov , foodborne illnesses increase during the summer. Stay healthy and safe during warmer months by following these food safety recommendations:

When bringing food to a picnic or cookout:

• Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. You can also use frozen food as a cold source.
• Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products.
• Keep your cooler out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter. Remember that a full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. 
• Avoid opening the cooler repeatedly to keep your food cold longer.

When cooking on the grill:

• Prevent cross-contamination from raw meat or poultry juices by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water. Wash hands after handling raw meat or poultry or its packaging because anything you touch afterwards could become contaminated.
• Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook.
• Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures.
• Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve cooked food.

When serving food outdoors:

• Do not sit perishable food out for more than two hours.  In hot weather (above 90 °F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour.
• Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler. 
• After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140°F or warmer.
• Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.

For more information, visit www.foodsafety.gov and learn fire safety for your next barbecue from the U.S. Fire Administration .  

As coastal areas pay close attention to hurricane season and many other areas of the country experience wildfires, now is a great time to develop an evacuation plan with your family , and practice it to ensure you know what to do should an emergency occur. In some circumstances, local officials decide that the hazards are serious and require mandatory evacuations.

Wherever you live, knowing what to do in the event you need to leave your home is critical. Review these evacuation guidelines from the Ready Campaign and develop your plan now:

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood. Develop an emergency communication plan to decide these locations before a disaster.
• Keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle at all times in case you need to evacuate.
• Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area. Choose several destinations in different directions, so you have options in an emergency.
• Plan how you will leave if you do not have a car.  Make arrangements with family, friends, or your local government.
• Take your  emergency supply kit  with you.
• Take your pets with you, but understand that some public shelters may only admit service animals.  Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency .
• Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving.

The FEMA mobile App can also help you create an evacuation plan, make an emergency supply list, and provide you with weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Take action today to prepare for an emergency.