The basic disaster information you need to know follows. Most of this disaster information comes directly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) via PDF files (for download) or website links. Note: this website is NOT affiliated with FEMA, the CDC, or any other government or charitable entity.
For the Kids…
If you have young children I suggest you visit FEMA for Kids or Ready Kids to find a variety of information aimed at educating children about disasters. Another useful child-related site inluces Sparky the Fire Dog. Check them out and let your kids learn!
DISASTER-SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Earthquake Disaster Information
Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt – A useful two page to-the-point document you can use as a thought-starter to prepare your home for future earthquake disasters. Most ideas are relatively inexpensive DIY projects.
Protect Your Property from an Earthquake – Links to several documents that describe in detail some of the solutions recommended in the Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt reference above. Solutions are described with examples where applicable and include estimated costs.
Earthquake Safety Guide for Homeowners – A good look at the various weaknesses a home might have in an earthquake, how to identify the weakness, and possible solutions. Know that some of the solutions are probably quite expensive to remedy, although you need to know these problems and solutions exist.
Hurricane Disaster Information
Tropical Cyclones – A Preparedness Guide [PDF File] - A several page document that introduces what a hurricane is, how to stay safe, what to do if a hurricane is coming, etc.
Avoiding Hurricane Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners [PDF File] – Briefly outlines several actions you can take before a hurricane to limit damage including protecting your home from high winds and flooding. Note that many suggestions may require a contractor to perform the work.
Cleanup of Flood Water – Brief discussion on how to expedite the cleanup process after a hurricane.
Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach after an Emergency – Recommendations on proper mixing and usage instructions to clean and sanitize various items including water, food, mold, etc.
Tornado Disaster Information
Tornado Information – Links to brief information outlining what to do before, during, and after a tornado.
Tornado Safey Tips – Good, basic information on tornado preparedness.
Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business (very large PDF file) – An in-depth look at your risk for a tornado (or hurricane), whether you need an tornado safe room, and planning considerations.
Safe Room Construction Plans and Specifications – Links to several tornado safe room designs you can emulate depending on your home.
Safe Room Doors and Hardware (large PDF file) – a specific look at the weakest point in a safe room–the door–and what to do about it.
Winter Storm Disaster Information
Are You Ready? A Guide to Winter Storm Preparedness – Short document regarding winter storm preparedness including what to do before, during, and after a storm. Also provides basic information on carbon monoxide poisoning and frostbite.
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold – Links to preparation steps you can take including how to prepare your home and car for extreme cold during a winter storm as well as guidelines to follow during a winter storm.
Winter Weather FAQ – More detailed information regarding hypothermia and frostbite and what to do about it.
Wildfire Disaster Information
Avoiding Wildfire Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners- Brief two page document that poses several questions you can ask yourself regarding wildfire preparedness.
Wildfire Zone – A lot of references discussing steps you can take to protect yourself and home before, during, and after a wildfire by the San Diego County, California.
Dealing with Burns- Good information on what to do about first, second, and thrid-degree burns (see the second half of the document) if injured during a fire or otherwise burned.
Volcano Disaster Information
Are You Ready? Volcanoes – Links to a brief description of what to do during a volcano eruption and how to protect yourself from falling ash.
USGS Volcano Hazards Program – Includes information about volcanic activity and more specific volcano hazards such as landslides, lava flow, falling ash, etc.
Flood Disaster Information
Protect Your Property from Flooding- Links to several actions you can take to reduce problems associated with flooding including such ideas as installing sewer backflows, raising HVAC and electrical equipment, and building tips. Understand that most of these recommendations should be performed by a qualified contractor.
Recovering From and Coping With Flood Damaged Property – Links to what you can do after a flood, how to salvage various personal property such as books, and how to remove mold.
Cleanup of Flood Water – Brief discussion on how to expedite the cleanup process after a flood.
Cleaning and Sanitizing With Bleach after an Emergency – Recommendations on proper mixing and usage instructions to clean and sanitize various items after a flood including water, food, mold, etc.
Heat Wave Disaster Information
Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer – Online brochure that discusses what the heat index is, how heat affects the body, as well as the different heat wave symptoms.
First Aid for Heat-Induced Illnesses – More in-depth guidance for dealing with heat-related illness common during a heat wave.
Extreme Heat – Another take on extreme heat from the CDC including FAQ, tips, specifics for the elderly, general prevention, etc.
Hazardous Materials (Biological / Chemical / Household Chemicals) Disaster Information
Are You Ready? Technological Hazards – Discusses hazardous material incidents (HAZMAT stuff), dangerous household chemicals (there are more than you can imagine), and nuclear power plant emergencies.
Are You Ready? Biological Threats – Links to basic information as to what to do during and after a biological attack.
Are You Ready? Chemical Threats – Links to basic information about chemical attacks including supplies to have on hand and decontamination guidelines.
Chemical Emergencies – More information that a normal person could want regarding chemicals including chemical-specific fact sheets, a chemical-specific toxicology FAQ, a more detailed look at sheltering in place, and how to cleanse oneself if contaminated with a chemical agent.
Fact Sheet – Hazardous Chemicals – Good basic information about household hazards, children and hazards, and how to recognize toxic poisoning.
Nuclear Disaster / Nuclear Blast Disaster Information
Nuclear Power Plant Emergency – Links to discussion on what to do before, during, and after a nuclear disaster.
Are You Ready? Nuclear Blast – discusses radioactive fallout and protections you can take before, during, and after a nuclear blast.
Are You Ready? Radiological Dispersal Device “dirty bomb” – Brief discussion on what to do during a “dirty bomb” attack (similar to the nuclear blast info).
Radiation Emergency Information for the Public – Information on dirty bombs, sheltering in place, potassium iodide, as well as other interesting info pertinent to a nuclear disaster.
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