National Weather Service encourages preparedness through #SafePlaceSelfie campaign
April 2, 2026
As extreme weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are calling on the public to participate in the annual #SafePlaceSelfie day on April 8, 2026.
The initiative challenges individuals to identify their “safe places” for various weather hazards and share a photo on social media to encourage others to do the same. The goal is to reduce hesitation during actual emergencies by making safety plans a matter of muscle memory.
Knowing Where to Go
The campaign emphasizes that a “safe place” changes depending on the specific threat. According to NWS safety guidelines, the ideal refuge varies by hazard:
-
Tornadoes: A storm shelter, FEMA safe room, or a sturdy interior room on the lowest level, away from windows.
-
Lightning: An enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with windows rolled up.
-
Flash Floods: Higher ground; participants are reminded to avoid seeking shelter in basements or low-lying areas.
-
Extreme Heat: Indoors with air conditioning or shaded areas with plenty of water.
How to Participate
Organizers suggest a four-step process for those looking to join the movement:
-
Identify Hazards: Consider common local threats such as wildfires, tsunamis, or rip currents.
-
Get Creative: Use pets, children, or emergency kits in the photo to make the message engaging.
-
Challenge Others: Tag friends, family, or colleagues in the post to act as a “force multiplier” for safety awareness.
-
Stay Engaged: Use the hashtag #SafePlaceSelfie to follow the conversation and view creative safety solutions from across the country.
Beyond the Physical Location
The NWS is also “bending the rules” this year by encouraging participants to think of safety in terms of information and proximity. A safe place can be defined as anywhere a person has access to life-saving alerts via a NOAA Weather Radio or mobile apps. For coastal residents, it might mean staying within sight of a lifeguard stand.
“Knowing where to go ahead of time can minimize hesitation,” the agency stated on its official campaign page. “Imagine a Weather-Ready Nation where everyone knows where to go, and when extreme weather is forecast, makes decisions to ensure their safety.”
For more information on weather readiness and specific hazard safety, residents are encouraged to visit weather.gov/safety.
About NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.
