Ready for what Montana actually throws at you.
Wildfires that burn millions of acres in a single summer, spring floods from rapid snowmelt, extreme cold that isolates communities for days, and the fourth-largest state in the country with just 1.1 million people spread across it.
About this guide
Montana is the fourth-largest state by area and one of the least densely populated — which means when disasters strike, help is far away. The 2017 fire season burned over 1.3 million acres across the state — one of the worst on record. The 2022 Yellowstone River flood was the worst in recorded history, destroying roads into Yellowstone National Park and cutting off Gardner for weeks. Montana's Rocky Mountain Front forces cold Arctic air down from Canada in winter events that drop temperatures to -40°F or colder across the Hi-Line. The Missouri, Yellowstone, and Flathead rivers all have catastrophic flood histories. And eastern Montana's exposed plains face conditions most Montanans in Missoula or Bozeman never see.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Wildfires, Flooding, Extreme Cold
MT has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 3a (northeastern MT / Hi-Line) to 6b (western MT valleys / Missoula/Bitterroot)
Unemployment: up to $552/week for 28 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 MT 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