Natural Disasters

Events in which a natural hazard has the potential to harm people's health and/or cause significant damage to property or infrastructure. A natural disaster may affect human health via its potential to cause illness or injury, the contamination or shortage of food and/or water, power outages, and development of other hazards such as mold growth or release of carbon monoxide. Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, landslides and mudslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildfires, and extreme winter weather. For more information, please visit the CDC page on natural disasters and severe weather.

Partnership with Civil Air Patrol allows winter transport of emergency medications to Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Background

Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) can be fairly isolated and inaccessible during the winter due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather conditions. The main transportation route between the UP and the lower peninsula is the Mackinac Bridge, which is often closed for safety reasons during the winter. Another way used to access the UP during an emergency or for search and rescue purposes is via Michigan's Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an auxiliary of the Air Force comprised of civilian volunteers.

Connecticut emergency guide focuses on local hazards and enhanced communication to prepare and inform state residents

Background

Connecticut experiences a wide array of seasonal hazards, such as severe winter storms, hurricanes, and floods, and it must also prepare for accidents stemming from man-made disasters, infectious disease, or incidents at the two nuclear power plants located within its region. The effect of Tropical Storm Irene on the East Coast in summer 2011 and a rare October Nor’easter two months later highlighted Connecticut’s susceptibility to a variety of natural/seasonal hazards.

Culturally relevant curriculum teaches students in grades K-12 about tsunami generation and preparedness

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Multi-format communications program readies Spanish-speakers for emergencies

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Online mapping site allows residents to search and prepare for local natural hazards

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Summer heat illness fact sheets in 12 languages help reach limited-English proficient populations

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In-language resources about winter weather and carbon monoxide address preparedness needs of new immigrant communities

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Partnerships, tools, and tabletop exercise tackle preparedness, continuity of opioid treatment programs during a disaster (WA)

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Evaluation of flooding response leads to data- and image-based preparedness and response plan

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Interactive, educational materials provide guidance for staying safe following a volcanic eruption

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