Resources – Press Guides

RESOURCES RELATED TO NATURAL DISASTERS

The following are resources and tools for newsrooms to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from various natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, winter storms, tornadoes, and tsunamis. Drawing from sources like FEMA, NOAA, and the NASA Disasters Program, each link offers practical steps for safeguarding lives, minimizing damage, and ensuring continuity of operations. The list is not exhaustive, and it will keep growing with time. If you have some resources to share, please email me at maria@arce.biz. Thank you.

Preparedness Resources

Data Resources

Air Resources

Earth Resources

Fire Resources

Water Resources

Preparedness Resources

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program: A FEMA program that funds pre-disaster mitigation projects.
BBC Emergency Radio Services: In extreme situations, the BBC launches emergency radio services to ensure the public receives critical information, especially when other communication methods fail.
CDC – Clean Up Safely After a Disaster: Provides guidelines on safe cleanup procedures after disasters, reducing the risk of injury or illness during recovery.
DHHS Emergency Preparedness Template: A template by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help organizations create their own emergency response plans.
FEMA’s Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans: A guide that assists in creating and maintaining emergency plans.
FEMA’s Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults: Tailored preparedness focused on the unique needs of older adults during disasters, offering advice on safety and health.
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants: Financial aid for projects that reduce the risk of future disasters, aiming to prevent loss of life and property.
FEMA’s Preparing for Disasters Guide: A practical guide to preparing for various types of disasters, aimed at both individuals and organizations.
FEMA’s Programs to Support Disaster Survivors: Details on FEMA programs that provide aid and resources to help survivors recover from disasters.
Federal Trade Commission’s Avoid Scams Page: Guidance from the FTC on how to recognize and avoid scams that typically arise in the wake of natural disasters.
Information Technology Disaster Resource Center: A nonprofit organization that provides critical IT services and communication resources to areas affected by disasters.
Ready.gov Emergency Response Plan Template: For creating an emergency response plan, provided by the Department of Homeland Security.
Safety and Health Information Bulletins (OSHA): Bulletins that offer critical safety and health information to workers and employers dealing with the aftermath of disasters.
SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App: A mobile application by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offering resources for behavioral health responders in disaster situations.
THIRA and Stakeholder Preparedness Review Guide: Provides guidance on how to conduct the THIRA and SPR processes to improve overall preparedness for disasters.

Data Resources

Climate Change Indicators – EPA: Offers data on various climate indicators, helping communities understand climate impacts and trends in their region.
Desert Research Institute: Focuses on environmental research and provides insights into the effects of climate change on desert and broader ecosystems.
FEMA’s Glossary: Key emergency management terms to help individuals and organizations understand disaster-related jargon.
FEMA’s National Preparedness Report (2023): An annual report outlining the nation’s preparedness for natural and man-made disasters, offering insights into areas for improvement.
FEMA’s National Risk Index For Natural Hazards: An online tool that provides data on various hazards faced by U.S. communities, including extreme heat, floods, and storms.
FCC’s Wireless Emergency Alerts: A public safety system that sends critical alerts directly to mobile phones during emergencies such as severe weather, AMBER, and more.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): A global body that provides scientific assessments on climate change, its impacts, and future risks.
NASA Disaster Tools and Resources: From mapping to training, NASA Disaster Program aims to advance science for disaster resilience.
National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth Institute: Focuses on improving disaster preparedness and resilience at the community and national levels.
National Center for Environmental Information – Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: NOAA’s database tracking costly weather and climate disasters in the U.S. since 1980.
National Drought Status: Offers real-time data on drought conditions across the U.S., helping communities monitor and prepare for water shortages.
National Hazard Center: Founded in 1976, it is one of the top institutions working on disaster management in the US, facilitating scientific and practice-oriented connections.
NWS Glossary (English-Spanish Translations): A bilingual glossary from the National Weather Service that translates technical weather and emergency terms.
Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act: Legislation aimed at improving disaster response capabilities, enhancing FEMA’s powers and promoting better coordination.
The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST): A mapping tool that highlights communities facing significant climate burdens, aiding in the allocation of federal resources.
The National Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA): A 2019 framework used by governments to assess threats and hazards and determine preparedness priorities.
Weatherization program – Department of Energy: A federal program that helps low-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.
Western Regional Climate Center: Provides data and information on the climate of the Western United States, supporting climate monitoring and research.

Air Resources

American Red Cross Tornado Safety: Provides tips and checklists for tornado preparedness and recovery.

Center for Severe Weather Research: Researches tornadoes and storm patterns using mobile radar units.

FEMA’s Tornado Resources: Offers preparedness tips, guidelines, and recovery plans for tornadoes.

Hurricanestrong.org: A national hurricane resilience initiative that provides educational resources on how to prepare for and respond to hurricanes.

Institute for Business & Home Safety: Focuses on strengthening homes and businesses against tornadoes and other natural disasters.

National Hurricane Center – Hurricanes.gov: The official source for hurricane forecasts, warnings, and preparedness information from the NHC.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Tornado Studies: Focuses on research and guidelines for tornado-resistant building designs.

NOAA National Severe Storm Laboratory: Researches severe weather events, such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, and develops tools to improve forecasts and warnings.

NOAA Storm Prediction Center: Monitors and forecasts severe weather, including tornadoes.

NOAA Storm Prediction Center – Maps: Provides up-to-date information on severe weather threats, helping communities prepare for extreme conditions.

National Weather Service Tornado Safety: Provides critical safety information on how to survive a tornado.

Ready.gov – Tornadoes: Government resource offering tornado preparedness strategies.

The Tornado Project: Provides educational resources and data on tornadoes.

Earth Resources

Alaska Earthquake Center: Provides real-time seismic data for Alaska.

California Earthquake Authority (CEA): Offers earthquake insurance and preparedness resources.
Earthquake Country Alliance: A coalition of partners dedicated to improving earthquake preparedness.
FEMA Earthquake Resources: Offers guidelines on earthquake preparedness and response.
National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC): Monitors and reports on seismic events worldwide.
National Seismic Hazard Maps: Offers maps showing earthquake hazard probabilities.
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network: Monitors seismic activity in the Pacific Northwest.
ShakeOut – Earthquake Drills: A global campaign promoting earthquake preparedness drills and providing resources to help communities stay safe during seismic events.
Southern California Earthquake Center: Researches earthquake hazards in Southern California.
USGS All Maps: An extensive collection of maps from the U.S. Geological Survey, covering topography, geology, and natural hazards.
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program: Monitors and reports on earthquakes and their impacts, providing preparedness information and hazard assessments.
USGS Topographic Maps: Detailed topographic maps of the U.S. that can aid in navigation and disaster planning.

Fire Resources

Drought Preparedness | Water Conservation – Red Cross: Provides resources for drought preparedness, including tips on water conservation and emergency planning.
Extreme Heat Fact Sheet – White House: Provides information on the risks of extreme heat and steps to mitigate its impact, focusing on vulnerable populations.
Extreme Heat – Heat.gov: An government resource on extreme heat, providing safety information, planning resources, and educational material for heatwave preparation.
FEMA’s Extreme Heat Resources: Centralized resources for understanding and preparing for extreme heat conditions across different regions.
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network: Shares best practices for living with wildfire risks.
Guidance on Extreme Temperatures for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Leaders: Offers guidance for local leaders on how to protect communities from the effects of extreme temperatures.
National Integrated Heat Health Information System – Heat.gov: Collaborative U.S. government effort providing data and resources on managing heat-related risks.
National Interagency Fire Center: Coordinates wildland firefighting resources and information.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Offers codes and standards for fire safety.
NFPA – Firewise USA: A program promoting wildfire safety in communities.
NWS Fire Weather Program: Issues fire weather forecasts and warnings.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group: Develops policies and standards for wildfire management.
Ready for Wildfire (CalFire): Provides wildfire safety tips and resources.
United States Drought Information – Climate Prediction Center: Provides information on current and projected drought conditions across the U.S.
US Drought Monitor: A weekly map of drought conditions across the U.S., used by government agencies to manage water resources.
US Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management: Manages fire response on federal lands.
Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program: Focuses on developing leadership skills for wildfire managers.

Water Resources

American Red Cross Winter Storm Safety: Tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after winter storms.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services – Tsunami Preparedness
Offers resources and information on how to prepare for and respond to tsunamis along the California coast.
CDC’s Winter Safety: Provides information on staying safe during winter storms and extreme cold.
FEMA’s Flood Maps: Provides up-to-date maps showing flood zones and risks, helping communities assess their vulnerability to flooding.
FEMA’s Food and Water in an Emergency Guide: Details on how to safely store and manage food and water supplies during emergencies and prolonged disruptions.
FEMA Tsunami Resources: Provides preparedness guidelines and response resources specific to tsunamis.
FEMA Winter Storms & Extreme Cold: Offers preparedness and recovery resources for winter storms.
Floodsmart.gov: A resource showing flood insurance claims across the U.S. since 1980, helping people understand flood risks and the importance of coverage.
National Avalanche Center: Offers forecasts and warnings for avalanche-prone areas.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Winter Driving Tips: Provides tips on how to prepare cars (and drivers) for winter weather.
National Tsunami Warning Center: Monitors seismic events and issues tsunami warnings for the U.S. and Canada.
NOAA Tsunami Program: Provides forecasts, warnings, and educational resources on tsunamis.
NOAA/NWS TsunamiReady: A community-based program that helps coastal communities prepare for tsunamis.
NOAA Winter Storm Outlooks: Provides seasonal outlooks and forecasts for winter weather.
NWS National Data Buoy Center: Monitors and provides real-time ocean data through buoys to help detect tsunamis.
NWS National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program: A coordinated U.S. national effort to mitigate the impact of tsunamis through public education, community response planning, hazard assessment, and warning coordination.
NWS Winter Weather Program: Provides forecasts and safety information on winter storms.
Ready.gov – Winter Weather: Government resource on preparing for and surviving winter storms.
Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA): Offers best practices for snow and ice removal for safety during winter storms.
UNESCO’s International Tsunami Information Center: Supports preparedness and education efforts globally and within the U.S.
USGS National Water Information System: Web Interface An online system from the U.S. Geological Survey offering real-time water data for surface water, groundwater, and water quality.
USGS Tsunami Program: Offers research, data, and monitoring tools for tsunami risk and hazard assessments.

References

OPERATIONAL GUIDE

1. Benight Charles, Gail Ironson, Kelli Klebe, Charles Carver, Christina Wynings, Kent Burnett, Debra Greenwood, Andrew Baum, and Neil Schneiderman. (1999) “Conservation of Resources and Coping Self-efficiency Predicting Distress Following a Natural Disaster: A Casual Model Analysis Where the Environment Meets the Mind.” Anxiety, Stress and Coping 12: 107-126.

2. Wallace, Michael; Webber Lawrence (2004) The Disaster Recovery Handbook. A step-by-step Plan to Ensure Business Continuity and Protect Vital Operations, Facilities, and Assets. American Management Association. P.7.

EDITORIAL GUIDE

1. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:1, 88-106.

2. Houston, J. Brian; Pfefferbaum, Betty, Rosenholts, Cathy Ellen. (2012) Disaster News: Framing and Fram Changing in Coverage of Major US Natural Disasters, 2000-2010. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly. AEJMC.

3. Barnes, Michael D; Hanson, Carl L.; Novilla, Len M.B.; Meacham, Aaron T; McIntyre, Emily (2008) Analysis of Media Agenda Setting During and After Hurricane Katrina: Implications for Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Response and Disaster Policy. American Journal of Public Health. Vol.98 N4.

4. Houston, J. Brian; Pfefferbaum, Betty, Rosenholts, Cathy Ellen. (2012) Disaster News: Framing and Fram Changing in Coverage of Major US Natural Disasters, 2000-2010. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly. AEJMC.

5. Houston, J. Brian; Pfefferbaum, Betty, Rosenholts, Cathy Ellen. (2012) Disaster News: Framing and Fram Changing in Coverage of Major US Natural Disasters, 2000-2010. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly. AEJMC.

6. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:1, 88-106.

7. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020)Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:1, 88-106.

8. Montano, Samantha (2021) Disasterology. Dispatches from the frontlines of the climate crisis. Park Row Books.

9. Schlegelmilch, Jeff. (2020) Rethinking readiness. A brief guide to twenty-first century megadisasters. Columbia University Press.

10. Houston, J. Brian; Pfefferbaum, Betty, Rosenholts, Cathy Ellen. (2012) Disaster News: Framing and Fram Changing in Coverage of Major US Natural Disasters, 2000-2010. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly. AEJMC.

11. Schlegelmilch, Jeff. (2020) Rethinking readiness. A brief guide to twenty-first-century megadisasters. Columbia University Press.

12. Solnit, Rebecca. (2009). A Paradise Built in Hell. Penguin Books. (p.25)

13. Dawyne “The Rock” Johnson, San Andreas movie. (year)

14. FCC, After Storms, Watch Out for Scams.

15. RRipley, Amanda. (2008) The Unthinkable. Who survives when disaster strikes– and why? Three River Press. Page XI.

16. Solnit, Rebecca. (2009). A Paradise Built in Hell. Penguin Books. (p.25)

wellness GUIDE

2. North, Carol and Betty Pfefferbaum. (2013) Mental Health Response to Community Disasters: A Systematic Review.” Journal of American Medical Association 310 (5): 507-518.

3. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:11,88-106 DOI10.1080/1461670X.2019.1628659.

4. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:11,88-106 DOI10.1080/1461670X.2019.1628659.

5. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:11,88-106 DOI10.1080/1461670X.2019.1628659..

6. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:11,88-106 DOI10.1080/1461670X.2019.1628659.

7. Gretchen Dworznik-Hoak (2020) Weathering the Storm: Occupational Stress in Journalists Who Covered Hurricane Harvey, Journalism Studies, 21:11,88-106 DOI10.1080/1461670X.2019.1628659.

RESOURCES RELATED TO NATURAL DISASTERS

Preparedness Resources

Data Resources

Air Resources

Earth Resources

Fire Resources

Water Resources

Preparedness Resources

Data Resources

Air Resources

Earth Resources

Fire Resources

Water Resources

References

OPERATIONAL GUIDE

EDITORIAL GUIDE

wellness GUIDE

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