Sequía

Qué es

A drought is a long period with less rain than normal. It develops slowly, over months or years, and can lead to water restrictions, dry wells, crop losses, dust and a higher risk of wildfire.

Quién corre riesgo

Droughts are most common in the West and Great Plains but can happen anywhere. People who rely on private wells, farmers and ranchers, and communities near wildland face the greatest effects.

Prepárate ahora

1. Fix leaky faucets, toilets and pipes.
2. Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators.
3. Choose plants that need little water, and water your yard early or late in the day.
4. Learn your local water restrictions and drought stage.
5. If you have a private well, know how deep it is and watch for changes in water level or quality.
6. Store emergency drinking water in case supplies are cut.

Cuando ocurre

1. Follow water restrictions from your water provider.
2. Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
3. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
4. Be extra careful with anything that could start a fire outdoors.
5. Stay indoors when dust or smoke makes the air unhealthy.

Después

1. Keep up water-saving habits; supplies can take a long time to recover.
2. Have your private well tested if the water looks, smells or tastes different.
3. Watch for flash floods when heavy rain falls on dry, hard ground.

Fuentes oficiales

• Ready.gov: Drought
• National Weather Service: Drought
• CDC: Drought and health
• American Red Cross: Drought safety

Esta guía resume recomendaciones públicas. Sigue siempre las instrucciones de las autoridades locales y los servicios de emergencia.