Ready for what Missouri actually throws at you.
Tornado Alley's eastern edge, New Madrid earthquake risk, Missouri River flooding, ice storms, and summer heat — Missouri sits at the crossroads of the country's major hazard corridors.
About this guide
Missouri occupies a unique and hazardous position at the intersection of multiple weather systems. The state straddles Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley, meaning it gets significant tornado exposure in both spring and fall. The Joplin tornado of May 22, 2011 — an EF-5 that killed 161 people — remains the deadliest single US tornado since modern record-keeping. The New Madrid Seismic Zone runs under southeastern Missouri, and the 1811-1812 earthquakes there are estimated at magnitude 7.5-8.0 — the most powerful in recorded US history east of the Rockies. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers flood routinely. Ice storms shut down the state several times per decade. St. Louis and Kansas City are major metro areas with all the associated urban hazards.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Tornadoes, Earthquakes (New Madrid), Flooding
MO has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 5b (northwest MO / St. Joseph area) to 7a (southeast MO Bootheel)
Unemployment: up to $320/week for 20 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the MO risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours