New Hampshire · Preparedness Guide
Ready for what New Hampshire actually throws at you.
Ice storms that leave 400,000 without power for weeks, White Mountain blizzards, spring flooding, and one of the most extreme weather environments in the world right in your backyard.
About this guide
Built for New Hampshire. Not everywhere.
New Hampshire is a state of extremes. The White Mountains are home to Mount Washington — the site of the world's highest recorded wind speed (231 mph in 1934) and one of the most dangerous weather environments in the lower 48. The 2008 ice storm was the worst disaster in state history, knocking out power to 400,000 customers — nearly half the state's population — for up to three weeks before Christmas. Spring flooding from the Merrimack, Connecticut, and Saco rivers is annual. Southern NH and the seacoast get every nor'easter that tracks up the coast. The state's rural character and sparse infrastructure mean that when things go wrong, you are often your own first responder for days.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Ice Storms & Winter Storms, Flooding, Extreme Cold
NH has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 3b (North Country / Pittsburg) to 6a (southern NH / Nashua/Manchester area)
Unemployment: up to $427/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
What this guide covers.
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Local Risk Readiness
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Local Learning
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Local Community
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Local Emergency
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Local Gardening
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Local Safety Net
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Local Transportation
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Checklists
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Make it personal to your county.
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Where do you want to go next?
Know your risks
See what's actually likely where you live.
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the NH risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
Start with three days of self-reliance.
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours