Resources on Natural Disasters

The United States has faced several extreme natural disasters over the past few months, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. Many Federal agencies provide resources that can be helpful in preparing for or responding to natural disasters, and several make their resources available in multiple languages.

Preparing for a natural disasters

• Ready.gov is the Federal Government’s primary source for disaster preparedness resources, tailored to provide preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation information. (Available in 13 languages)
• America’s PrepareAthon! is a grassroots campaign for action to encourage better preparation for emergencies. (Available in 7 languages)
• The Environmental Protection Agency offers general information for disaster preparedness, with specific guidance for homeowners, communities, and facilities. (Available in Spanish and Vietnamese)
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights health and safety concerns posed by natural disasters and severe weather, with a focus on food, water, sanitation, and hygiene information. There are also detailed tips for specific populations, such as older adults, children, and people with disabilities. (Available in Spanish)
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service provides fact sheets on food safety before, during, and after an emergency. (Available in Spanish)

Tracking and monitoring natural disasters

• Drought
• Earthquakes
• Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
• Storm Prediction Center (includes tornadoes and winter storms)
• Tsunamis
• Wildfires
• Winter Weather

Responding to natural disasters

• For survivors:
  • Apply for FEMA assistance (Available in Spanish)
  • Download FEMA’s mobile app (Available in Spanish)
  • Disaster Distress Helpline free counseling services (Available in Spanish)
  • Food and water safety for the food industry as well as consumers
  • Health and safety concerns caused by disasters (Available in Spanish); information for specific populations
  • Individual state and territory emergency management agencies/offices
• For those who want to help:
  • Volunteer and donate responsibly
  • Resources for emergency health professionals
• For everyone:
  • Reunite with family and friends
  • Food, water, sanitation, and hygiene (Available in Spanish)
  • Impact of disasters on behavioral health
  • Keeping children safe after a hurricane (Available in 10 languages)
  • Post disaster housing repair and restoration and Rebuild Healthy Homes app

GPO has cataloged many resources on this prevalent issue:

• After the Fire! Returning to Normal 
  CGP System Number:1031523
• Earthquake Safety Checklist
  CGP System Number: 962253
  Simplified Chinese CGP System Number: 655087
  Traditional Chinese CGP System Number: 655086
  Japanese CGP System Number: 655672
  Korean CGP System Number: 660929
  Spanish CGP System Number: 653559
  Tagalog CGP System Number: 653544
  Vietnamese CGP System Number: 653555
  
• Food and Water Safety during Power Outages and Floods
  CGP System Number: 1031331
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1031342
• How to Prepare for a Winter Storm
  CGP System Number: 1031674
• Keeping Food Safe during an Emergency
  CGP System Number: 1032007
  Spanish CGP System Number: 593265
• Rebuild Healthy Homes: Guide to Post-Disaster Restoration for a Safe and Healthy Home
  CGP System Number: 1024023
• Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning ... Nature’s Most Violent Storms: A Preparedness Guide Including Tornado Safety Information for Schools
  CGP System Number: 995418
• Tips for Families of Returning Disaster Responders: Adjusting to Life at Home
  CGP System Number: 1031533
• Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers 
  CGP System Number: 885904
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1031499
• Tropical Cyclones: A Preparedness Guide
  CGP System Number: 1031568
  Spanish CGP System Number: 1031575
• Watch Out--Storms Ahead! Owlie Skywarn’s Weather Book
  CGP System Number: 680144

GPO recently announced the availability of several disaster guidance documents: 

• What To Do If Your Library Has Unplanned Access Restrictions
• What To Do If Your Library Has a Flood or Water Disaster
• What To Do If Your Library Books Have Mold

Additional information on this topic will soon be presented in an FDLP LibGuide. To view the FDLP’s existing collection of LibGuides by subject, please visit https://libguides.fdlp.gov/.