Disaster Preparation and Recovery

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Basics

• Summary
• Start Here

Learn More

• Related Issues
• Specifics

See, Play and Learn

• Test Your Knowledge

Research

• Clinical Trials
• Journal Articles

Resources

• Find an Expert

For You

• Older Adults

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

Start Here

• Emergency Preparedness and Response (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish

Related Issues

• Chronic Disease in Uncertain Times: Be Prepared and Plan Ahead (National Institutes of Health) Also in Spanish
• Clean Up Safely after a Disaster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
• Disaster Safety for Expecting and New Parents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
• Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water (Environmental Protection Agency) Also in Spanish
• Individuals with Disabilities (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
• Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Power Outage (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
• Personal Hygiene during an Emergency (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
• Pet Safety in Emergencies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Shelter (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish
• Travelers' Health: Air Quality and Ionizing Radiation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish

Specifics

• Emergency Wound Care after a Natural Disaster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish
• Flood Preparedness and Response (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• How to Cope with Sheltering in Place (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - PDF Also in Spanish
• 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: Exploring interactions between socioeconomic context and natural hazards on human population...
• Article: Reviewing stakeholders during the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush, Korea 2022: Qualitative...
• Article: Disaster experience and resident risk preference: Evidence from China household finance...
• Disaster Preparation and Recovery -- see more articles

Find an Expert

• American Red Cross Also in Spanish
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Also in Spanish
• Department of Homeland Security
• Federal Emergency Management Agency Also in Spanish

Older Adults

• Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Older Adults (National Institute on Aging)