How to Read Hazard Status Levels
Published May 3, 2026
View the current dashboard
HazardNow brings multiple public signals into one situational-awareness view. Open the live dashboard to review current indicators alongside the context in this article.
HazardNow provides context from public sources and is not a replacement for official alerts or emergency instructions.
Status levels are useful shorthand, but they are not instructions by themselves.
Read the level as context, not command
- **Normal**: fewer stress signals visible in the available data.
- **Elevated**: meaningful pressure may be building.
- **Major/Severe**: stronger disruption context is present and deserves closer review.
- **Unknown/Unavailable**: source data is insufficient or temporarily unavailable.
The exact meaning can vary by signal family, so supporting details matter.
A safer interpretation workflow
1. Check which category moved and by how much. 2. Compare with related categories for corroboration. 3. Review whether data freshness or source gaps could explain the shift. 4. Use official agency and local guidance for any emergency action.
How HazardNow treats status levels
HazardNow uses status labels to support scan speed and trend monitoring across multiple domains. The labels are designed for awareness and context, not for emergency command decisions.
Limitations to keep in mind
- Thresholds summarize complex inputs.
- Missing data can affect confidence.
- A single status should never override official instructions.
Closing note
Use status levels to guide what to review next. For warnings, evacuation notices, and emergency direction, follow local authorities, NWS, FEMA/IPAWS, utility providers, and emergency services.
Continue exploring HazardNow
Review current public signals on the live dashboard, see what data categories HazardNow tracks, or send feedback if something looks off.
For official alerts, warnings, evacuation notices, or emergency instructions, use authoritative sources and local agencies.