Disaster Preparation and Recovery

On this page

Basics

• Summary

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

Related Issues

• 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
• Travelers' Health: Air Quality and Ionizing Radiation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• 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: Positioning the Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Disaster Recovery Planning and...
• Article: Before Helene's Landfall: Analysis of Disaster Risk Perceptions and Preparedness Assessment...
• Article: Community emergency management policy in China using a policy text tool.
• 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)