Emergencies and Disasters
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This website is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Parts of the United States are at risk for certain types of natural disasters that can cause injuries and deaths. These disasters include heat waves, winter storms, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods, and wildfires. People can take steps to reduce their risk for harm.
Take action before disasters occur. Planning is important. Learn ways to cope with the emotional and physical effects of disasters before they occur. Good planning can help protect the health and safety of people with special needs. Plan for the safety of pets.
Homes can be designed and built with materials that can minimize damage from a disaster. Homes built and remodeled according to modern building codes can suffer less damage due to disasters.
Health and Safety Tips
- Prepare a disaster survival kit with an adequate supply of water and necessary prescription drugs.
- Create a family disaster plan, including a communication plan, disaster supplies kit, and an evacuation plan.
- Make plans to ensure the safety of your pets before, during, and after an emergency.
Important Links
- Step-by-Step Guidance to Help You Prepare, Plan, and Stay Informed to Protect Yourself and Others
- What You Should Know During and After an Emergency
- Coping with Disasters and Traumatic Events
- Information for Disaster Evacuees and Other Affected Persons
- Tox Town Information on Toxic Chemicals and Disaster Health Concerns (National Institutes of Health)
- Page last reviewed: March 3, 2014 (archived document)
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention