If there’s one thing we can glean from the waves that threatened Hawaii and the West Coast after Japan’s deadly earthquake—and the record rains that have flooded the East Coast—it’s that no one is immune from such natural disasters and weather events. The National Weather Service is predicting more flooding across the U.S. this weekend as rivers swollen from rain and snow melt start to crest.

Along with Consumer Reports’ advice on dealing with earthquakes and floods,  this is a good time to check out our buying advice and Ratings for backup generators, since even a blackout can spell disaster if it lasts more than a few hours. Of course, using a generator in a flooded area poses its own dangers. Here are other timely resources:

• Tsunamis and more-ordinary flooding both require evacuations to higher ground. The Federal Emergency Mangement Agency has advice on how to make a kit of basic emergency supplies and create a family evacuation plan. More online and web-based tools detail how to manage contacts and set meeting places where family members can reassemble.
• FEMA also has a guide to using a cell phone before, during and after an emergency.
• If you do evacuate your home, the National Flood Insurance Program has guidelines about how and when to turn off utilities and how to make sure that your sump pump is working.
• Driving on flooded roads is exceptionally dangerous. Consumer Reports' Cars team has advice and a video on how to avoid hydroplaning, among other road hazards.

Homeowners insurance doesn’t generally cover flood damage, but you can buy coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program. If your home is flooding now, it's too late--the insurance must be purchased 30 days before an event. Check Floodsmart.gov for details on pricing and how to buy.

—Reporting by Gian Trotta