SafeWise 2025 Safety Guide

Welcome to SafeWise's 2025 Safety Guide. From weather safety to immigration safety, we want to cover it all. Bookmark this guide and keep coming back. We will be adding new sections and updated news and information throughout the year.

Ever wonder why your weather app is so wrong lately? There’s good reason. It’s all due to the NOAA. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, known as NOAA, is responsible for the vast majority of weather data that is supplied to your apps. NOAA uses a network of radar, airplanes, 15 satellites, computer models, and weather analysts to create weather predictions and records.

During 2025, though, NOAA has been slowly dismantled. It has faced hundreds of layoffs and major budget cuts. All of this makes it very hard to provide quality weather information. As of June 30, 2025, the Defense Department  stopped providing crucial satellite weather data, as well.

In addition, the National Weather Service paused weather alerts in several languages in April of 2025. Some are reporting that the National Weather Service isn’t even sending out any warnings in some areas of the country.

What all this means is, you’re less protected when it comes to preparing for severe weather. So, it’s important to take steps to take care of yourself if government weather agencies are less than 100%. Here are some tips to keep you safe during bad weather.

First, learn how to look for signs of a potential tornado (yes, even if you don’t live in Tornado Alley). Signs include:

• A rotating, funnel-shaped cloud or one that appears full of debris.
• A loud roar that sounds like a freight train in the sky is another good clue.
• Sometimes, the sky turns black or green just before a tornado.

Watching a few tornado videos on YouTube can give you an idea of what the skies look like before a tornado.

If you know a tornado is coming, take action to stay safe.

Find a local news station that uses local Doppler radar. This means that the news station has its own radar to detect local weather like hail, flooding, snowfall, ice, high winds, and tornadoes. 

For example, KWTX-TV in Texas has a radar network that covers Central Texas. During bad weather, check the news station’s website, app, or TV channel for weather warnings.

Sign up for classes to become a trained weather spotter. Your local fire department or police station can provide you with information on becoming a spotter or you can go to the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program website to search for local information.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been popping up all over the country and deporting undocumented people and detaining citizens.

"ICE is now allowed to go into schools and churches to seek out undocumented immigrants there,"  Marina Shepelsky, an immigration attorney who moved to the U.S. from Kiev as a teenager and has dedicated her life to helping immigrants find safety in the U.S., told SafeWise."

To be prepared for ICE potentially coming to your town, here is a list of preparations Shepelsky suggests:

• Obtain copies of all important documents you and your children have (from the U.S. or another country), like your driver’s license, original passport from your country (every page, even the cover, national ID card from your country, and municipal ID card. Carry a copy of these documents with you at all times. It doesn't hurt to put a copy in your kids' school bags. Keep the originals safe and let your family know where they are.
• Provide your family with your “A” number if you have ever filed for any immigration benefits.
• Gather documents that prove how long you have been in the U.S., such as your children's school records, your work documents, pay stubs, money transfer receipts, and medical records. Keep them all together.
• If you were ever arrested, make sure you have the original and a copy of your criminal certificate of disposition, which is important information for what to do during an ICE raid.
• Do not carry any false or fraudulent documents. Never provide a false name to authorities. Tell your children the same.
• Ensure that your children’s documents (original U.S. birth certificates and their copies, Social Security Card, and passport) are ready.  Obtain from the city office where your child was born.
• Memorize your lawyer’s number and the numbers of emergency contacts in case you lose access to your phone. Have your children do the same.
• Make sure your children's personal information at school is up to date. Update their information every time you move.
• Designate a trusted person to care for your children or dependents in case you are detained as well. Prepare legal guardianship forms, if necessary.

For guidance on how to stay safe when ICE raids your home, business, or school, we consulted with immigration law expert and attorney Jamene Christian.

Christian is an Atlanta-based immigration attorney licensed in Georgia and Connecticut and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). In addition to her work in private practice, she also works on JustAnswer answering questions related to immigration and family law. 

"ICE encounters in public spaces, at home, school or work are intimidating and stressful," Christian told SafeWise. "Therefore, it is important to be prepared and informed about your rights and the ICE agents’ responsibilities when encountering you in any space."

Here are Christian's tips for what to do when ICE comes knocking.

First, stay calm and composed. By doing so, you are better able to assert your rights and answer questions if you choose to do so. If you have lawful status in the U.S. provide proof (green card, U.S. passport, valid visa, etc) to the ICE agent. However, having proof of lawful status may not prevent ICE from taking you into custody if ICE believes that you have violated your valid visa or have violated the terms of your green card status.

Know your rights. No matter your status in the U.S. you have rights. You have the right to remain silent and to not answer any questions as to your status or your home country. Though the U.S. does not provide free attorneys for immigration matters, you can tell the ICE agent that you wish to speak with an immigration attorney BEFORE answering the ICE agent’s questions.

Do not run or resist. Running or resisting will escalate the encounter and may lead to your arrest for resisting arrest or for assault on a federal agent— among other charges. Remember to remain calm and assert your rights.

Always respectfully ask after a stop or encounter, if you are free to leave. If the answer is “yes,” simply walk away from the ICE agent.

Do not show fraudulent documents. You must be truthful when speaking with an ICE agent. Providing fraudulent documents is not being truthful. False documents will further complicate matters. Remember, you are under no obligation to show documents to an ICE agent.

Do not sign any documents given to you by an ICE agent. Ask for clarification and then speak with an immigration attorney BEFORE signing any document.

Record your encounter with ICE. If safe to do so, either with a pen, camera phone or mentally—get the names, badge numbers of the ICE agents (if visible). Try to remember the ICE agents’ physical features (if visible).

Establish a relationship with an immigration attorney, now! Do not wait. Have the name and number of an immigration attorney to call if you are taken into ICE custody.

Memorize the contact information of a trusted friend or family member (make sure that your trusted person is lawfully documented). If ICE detains you, you will not have access to your phone. 

Be certain to have an Immigration Emergency Strategy Plan in the event ICE detains you: Money for an immigration attorney, contact information of organizations that help immigrants, money for an immigration bond, a power of attorney for a trusted friend or family member to make financial decisions on your behalf. If you have children, make sure that you have a designated guardian for your children who is able to make medical and school-related decisions for your children.

Do not allow ICE into your home unless ICE is able to provide you with a signed (by a judge) warrant with your name and correct address on the warrant. Do not open the door. Ask ICE to slide the warrant under the door or to hold the warrant up to the window. No warrant. No entry into your home.

If ICE is attempting by force to come into your home with or without a warrant, do not resist! Once ICE is in your home, try to remain calm. Remain silent when asked immigration questions and ask ICE to leave your home. But, do not interfere with ICE when ICE is in your home.

If possible, have a trusted friend or family member serve as a witness (and take notes) if ICE is ever in your home.

Have an Immigration Emergency Strategy Plan to protect you and your family (see above) if you are removed from your home.

If you do indeed have lawful status, provide proof (green card, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, valid visa, etc.) to the ICE agents. However, valid proof of status may not prevent ICE from taking you into custody.

According to Christian, there are eight steps to take when ICE enters your workplace:

1. Remain calm and silent. Do not attempt to run. If possible, have your employer or a designated employee (who is has lawful status) speak with ICE on your behalf.
2. If ICE is seeking to enter a restricted area (like your locker) ask to see a warrant to enter your locker (see above). No warrant, no access.
3. If you have lawful status and you wish to speak with ICE, you can provide proof of your lawful status to ICE. Again, proof of lawful status may not prevent ICE from taking you into custody.
4. If possible, document the "raid" (see above).
5. If you have an immigration attorney, and it is safe to do so, call your immigration attorney.
6. Do not provide false information or false documents to ICE.
7. Do not obstruct or resist the actions of the ICE agents.
8. Have an Immigration Emergency Strategy Plan (see above) in the event you are taken into ICE custody.

Abortions are currently illegal in 13 states and severely restricted in six other states. More than 200 women faced pregnancy-related criminal charges just one year after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Now, three years later, women are being arrested for traveling to different states to obtain an abortion, women are dying from non-viable pregnancies, and women are being arrested for miscarriages (something that happens in 10% to 20% of known pregnancies).

So, if you are a woman (or someone with a uterus), you need to be aware of how to best protect yourself. SafeWise consulted with women's health experts to help you better navigate the legalities of healthcare in the U.S.

Right now, accessing reproductive care, especially procedures like a termination, is a little more complicated than it used to be. For help on tips for staying safe while planning an abortion, we consulted with Whitney Joy Smith, investigator, founder, and CEO at Smith Investigation Agency.

"Start by reaching out to trusted organizations that can give you support and referrals," says Smith. "You should be careful, though, because a lot of 'crisis pregnancy centers' can look legitimate but will give you misinformation, and some have even been found to employ people without medical training to wear scrubs and present as doctors or nurses.

"If you need to travel for care, you should avoid posting about it on social media and only share details with people you trust. I would even consider turning off location services on your phone. Many support networks can also help with travel and accommodations, so don't hesitate to ask for help."

Travel in 2025 isn't business as usual. Global conflict, rising crime, government policy changes, and evolving safety risks mean travelers need to stay more alert than ever — whether flying across the country or the globe.

The U.S. Department of State issued a "worldwide caution alert" in June. Americans are urged to take extra precautions and remain highly vigilant during international travel, especially in places where demonstrations have erupted or where anti-American sentiment is high. Geopolitical tensions, especially in regard to the Iran-Israel conflict, were a major driver of the worldwide alert.

Some big concerns include potential airspace disruptions in the Middle East and increased security threats in regions and countries with active political unrest or conflicts. There have also been advisories issued for specific countries, including Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisories for places like Yemen, Iran, and Syria.

International travel advisories
You can check on current travel advisories before booking your ticket or activities. Here's a guide to help you understand what each advisory level means:

• Level 1: This is the lowest risk level, and means that you should take standard precautions before international travel. No identified security safety risk (outside of normal conditions when traveling abroad) is indicated.
• Level 2: This level means there may be identified risks to your safety and security while travelling. You should be able to find the specifics laid out in the travel advisory for the country you're traveling to.
• Level 3: Things get a lot more serious at this level. Travelers are encouraged to reconsider their travel plans. If you've got travel booked to a place with a Level 3 advisory, serious risks to your security and safety have been identified. Notice of a Level 3 alert is the perfect time to make sure you purchased travel insurance in case you need to cancel or reschedule your trip.
• Level 4: At this level, travel is highly discouraged. A Level 4 advisory means that there are life-threatening risks and the U.S. government may not be able to help U.S. citizens, even during an emergency.

Some of the factors that are considered before a travel advisory is issued include crime against tourists, terrorism threats or activity, unrest and instability, access to healthcare, risk of natural disasters, kidnapping events, and wrongful detention of U.S. citizens.

Closer to home, there are growing concerns about travel within the country, even though domestic travel is currently considered safe overall. Whether it's higher violent crime rates, risks of gun violence, concern about intolerance and hate crimes, or civil unrest, it's smart to understand what's going on in different states and cities before visiting. 

Domestic travel safety tips:

• Know your destination: Research city-specific risks and avoid high-crime neighborhoods — especially at night.
• Watch for alerts: Sign up for local emergency alerts and pay attention to real-time crime and weather notifications.
• Get REAL ID-ready: As of May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID to get through security for domestic flights. It may also be required to enter certain federal buildings. If you don't have a REAL ID, you can use a valid passport instead. If you don't have either, you may be able to get through security by undergoing an extended screening process.

It's always smart to keep safety in mind when planning a trip, but right now it feels even more critical. Here are some reminders to help you have a fun and safe journey.

• Check advisory levels for all destinations — foreign and domestic — on the State Department's Travel Advisories Map.
• Enroll in STEP. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that provides you with real-time updates from the local consulate or embassy, wherever you're traveling.
• Sign up for alerts and check news from reputable media sources and government websites.
• Use a travel app like OZZI, which sends real-time safety alerts about everything from traffic issues to demonstrations all over the globe.
• Carry proper identification, including a REAL ID or a valid passport for air travel.
• Review travel insurance to ensure you're covered in case of an emergency.
• Avoid large gatherings or protests abroad—even peaceful ones can escalate quickly.
• Blend in by researching local customs, dress, and social norms (e.g., Americans are known for talking too loudly, so keep things like that in mind). You don't want to broadcast that you're a tourist through your clothing or behavior.
• Safeguard your electronics and other digital information. Consider taking a quick inventory of the information that's stored on your phone. Make sure sensitive personal information can't be accessed, and avoid posting sensitive or potentially inflammatory information online. Setting social media accounts to private may help.

In today's landscape, being a savvy traveler means being a prepared traveler. Safety starts with information — make sure you have it before you pack your bags.