Be Prepared For Natural Disaster in New Mexico

Natural Disasters Are on the Rise in New Mexico

If it seems like natural disasters in New Mexico are on the rise, that is because they are. In 2025, six natural disasters were declared in the state, 50% higher than the 2021-2025 average of four per year. Although there have been no disaster declarations made in the state yet this year, dry weather can mean an extended fire season and even flash flood risks.

Wildfires, droughts, flooding, earthquakes, and even tornadoes can affect New Mexicans, so it’s essential to be prepared in case of emergency. This article will show you how to prepare for natural disasters in New Mexico, and what to do in different types of natural disasters.

In The Article

How to Prepare for Natural Disasters in New Mexico

Make a Family Communication Plan

If you work away from home or have older children, make sure that you create a plan to contact each other in the event of a natural disaster. Make sure your children have their cell phones on them at all times and everyone memorizes everyone else’s number, in case a phone gets damaged or lost.

Have an Emergency Contact

Find a friend or family member who is out of town or not in your area that you can contact in case of emergency. While you may not expect this person to give you extended shelter after a disaster, you may be able to set up lodging in a safe area with their help. Additionally, discuss steps to take when a natural disaster occurs, such as: contact your family and friends to let them know you’re alright, contact a local hotel to reserve a room, and anything else you might need.

Have MultipleEvacuation Plans

In the event of a natural disaster, you may need an evacuation plan from your house and/or your neighborhood. Ensure that you and your family have evacuation plans and that everyone knows what to do if there is an emergency.

It’s important to have multiple evacuation plans from the house and the neighborhood or city, because if the natural disaster caused a blockage, it could affect your primary escape route.

Build Your Emergency Kit

Your “Go-Bag” or emergency bag should have essential items that can last your family up to three days. These items include:

• Clothing
• Water
• Food
• Gear
• Safety
• Medications
• Hand sanitizer

Extended Plans

Should a natural disaster occur that affects your ability to return home, it’s essential to have an extended plan. Find a friend or family member that you can stay with to reduce the cost of lodging, if possible. Additionally, there may be no power, internet, or cell service after a natural disaster. Make a list of important information that is on your electronics. This information should include:

• Family phone numbers
• Vehicle information
• Medical information
• Your bank phone number
• Other banking information

How to Store Your Important Documents

Store your important documents, including your family’s birth certificates, social security cards, housing information, insurance policies, photographs of the contents of every room, and photographs of high-value items (these photographs can make a difference in your insurance claim down the road).

How to Prepare for Wildfires in New Mexico

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that wildfires can occur anywhere and anytime. They’ve developed a comprehensive safety guide on their website. Their guide suggests these main steps:

• Be aware that a “fire watch” means that “dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12 to 72 hours.”
• Keep a car fueled and ready to go.
• Make a wildfire plan.
• Prepare your home.
• Follow authority’s recommendations when it’s safe to return home.

How to Prepare for Tornados in New Mexico

Tornados are some of the most unpredictable natural disasters out there. While meteorologists can tell you that tornadic weather is possible or eminent, they can’t predict whether one will hit your house or pass right by you. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do in case of a tornado.

Here are some things you can do to stay prepared.

• Know what a “tornado watch” is and “tornado warning” is, and the difference between them.
• Know where your safe spots are around your house: basement, hallway, closet (put as many walls between you and the outside world as possible)
• Develop a tornado emergency plan: know where to go, what to do, and what to watch for.
• Practice the emergency plan with drills for all family members.
• Get a weather App on your phone, and a NOAA weather radio to help you stay prepared.

How to Prepare for Floods in New Mexico

Droughts can cause a greater likelihood of flash floods and flooding. It’s important to know what to do in case of a flood. According to Flood Risk America, droughts can set the stage for flooding because of compacted soil and the fact that “Prolonged dry conditions can make the soil hydrophobic, meaning it repels water.” If the soil doesn’t absorb the water, it starts floating.

To prepare for a flood:

• Watch the weather, and heed the warnings
• Create an emergency kit that includes food and water, extra batteries, and safety gear
• Plan multiple evacuation routes (review the floodplain in your area to ensure you aren’t stuck from washed out roads)
• Contact local emergency services to learn where temporary shelters are

If you’re caught in a flood warning, avoid flood waters and get to the highest ground possible. Even if it isn’t raining near you, flash flood waters can travel quickly and far.

How to Prepare for Earthquakes in New Mexico

While you may not think Earthquakes affect New Mexicans, in the last year, the state experienced nearly 3,000 earthquakes that were 1.5 magnitude or higher. Should these earthquakes become more intense, it’s important to have an action plan in place with your family.

Here’s what to do in case of an earthquake in New Mexico

• Drop down to your hands and knees before you fall down
• Cover your neck and head (or whole body) under a table or desk.
• Stay clear of glass or windows
• If inside, stay inside
• Do not stand in a doorway but go under a table

Being prepared for natural disasters in New Mexico is an essential part of keeping your family safe. New Mexico natural disasters can seem intimidating, but being prepared is the most important step. Plan ahead, get your whole family onboard with the plan, and practice, practice, practice.