NATIONAL RESOURCES

 

Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov.
This link offers a logical framework of information for families, business and children. This site offers a wealth of information and checklists to be ready for different and distinct disasters. The keys to preparing a disaster kit, making a family emergency plan, and links to activities in your state or hometown are easy to access. In addition, learn more about National Preparedness Month and read testimonials of individual and business preparedness plans and outreach activities taking place this month.

 

The American Red Cross www.redcross.org
This link offers information on preparedness efforts for a wide variety of emergencies and disasters, from hurricane and tornadoes to infectious diseases such as pandemic flu. There is the link to determine your Readiness Quotient (RQ) , a “ simple, comprehensive and consistent tool to actually measure how prepared “ the public is to handle emergencies. The RQ lets you see how you compare to the national average and offers specific steps you can do to improve readiness for yourself, family and community.

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
This is the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the public and the site is intended to increase the nation’s ability to prepare and respond to public health emergencies.  Click onto Emergency Preparedness and You and you will see host of information divided into key topics: Bioterrorism,  Chemical, Radiation, Mass Casualties, Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather ; and Recent Outbreaks and Incidents.

The CDC formed the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) in 1951 after the Korean War. For an overview of infectious diseases and epidemics, see the EIS Timeline, from 1950 to 2000, at www.cdc.gov/eis/about/timleine.htm.

 

Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
FEMA as of 2003 became part of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) . The primary mission of FEMA “ is to reduce the loss of life and property, protect the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation,”  Use this web site to learn about different types of disasters, emergency declarations, determine your risk, protect your property and plan for emergencies.

 

FEMA – ARE YOU READY? www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm
The FEMA has prepared a comprehensive source on individual, family and community preparedness. It offers in-depth information on specific hazards and what to do before, during and after each hazard. It is also available in Spanish. Check out the web site to order your free copy.

 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.dhs.gov
This is the site for the nation’s health, safety and well-being resources. The HHS is a conglomerate of service agencies, including CDC, AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality), NIH (National Institutes of Health), SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) and ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). There are numerous emergency preparedness guides and tips on this comprehensive link. Check out the School Preparedness Section and school bus safety.

 

National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov
The National Hurricane Center, part of NOAA /NWS (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Services), provides the latest storm activities, advisories, warnings and three and five day cones, and other vital information for use in preparing and planning.

 

Citizen Corps www.citizencorps.gov
The Citizen Corps asks you to embrace the personal responsibility to be prepared; to get training in first aid and emergency skills; and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief and community safety. You can locate the nearest Citizen Corps Council to you and consider getting involved in your community

 

Pandemic Flu www.pandemicflu.gov
This is a very important resource and offers full access to the United States plans for pandemic influence. There are links to the World Health Organization (global activities) and for all levels of planning and response activities and checklists including: Federal planning, State and local planning, Individual planning, Workplace planning, School planning, Health care planning, and community planning.

 

American Public Health Association www.getreadyforflu.org
The Get Ready campaign, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA), provides information, resources and tools so that all individuals, families, and communities are more prepared for the potential of an influenza pandemic, an emerging infectious disease or other hazard or disaster.

 

Vulnerable Populations www.preparenow.org
This website offers information and links to support the needs and concerns of vulnerable people and individuals with special needs at times of emergency and disaster.

 

Preparedness www.72hours.org
This easy to use link is from the City of San Francisco and offers information on a wide variety of topics using icons to select to learn how to prepare a plan and go bag.