Health Topics
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Basics
Learn More
See, Play and Learn
Research
Resources
For You
Summary
Preparing for a disaster can reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that disasters cause. A disaster can be a natural disaster, like a hurricane, tornado, flood or earthquake. It might also be man-made, like a bioterrorist attack or chemical spill. You should know the risks and danger signs of different types of disasters. You should also have a disaster plan. Be ready to evacuate your home, and know how to treat basic medical problems. Make sure you have the insurance you need, including special types, like flood insurance.
No matter what kind of disaster you experience, it causes emotional distress. After a disaster, recovery can take time. Stay connected to your family and friends during this period.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Related Issues
- Air Quality and Ionizing Radiation during Travel (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Be Prepared: Pet Safety in Emergencies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
-
Chronic Disease in Uncertain Times: Be Prepared and Plan Ahead
(National Institutes of Health)
Also in Spanish
- DisasterAssistance.gov (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water (Environmental Protection Agency) Also in Spanish
- Guidelines for Cleaning Safely after a Disaster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Keep Food Safe after a Disaster or Emergency (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- People with Disabilities (Disaster Preparation) (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Safety Messages for Pregnant, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding People During Natural Disasters and Severe Weather (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Shelter (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
- Tips for Returning Home Safely After a Disaster (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Also in Spanish
- What to Do to Protect Yourself during a Power Outage (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Emergency Wound Care after a Natural Disaster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF
- Flood Preparedness and Response (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- How to Cope with Sheltering in Place (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - PDF
- Power Outages (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
Test Your Knowledge
- Disaster Master (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Disasters
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Mental health interventions for humanitarian volunteers: a scoping review.
- Article: Development of a business continuity plan and implementation of headquarters operation...
- Article: Impact of COVID-19 and the hospital disaster response on nurses working...
- Disaster Preparation and Recovery -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Older Adults
-
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Older Adults
(National Institute on Aging)
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.